Nicole Richie's Publicist Denies Weekend Collapse  10/31/06

Socialite Nicole Richie's publicists are playing down reports the Simple Life star passed out at a Los Angeles nightclub after partying on Saturday night (28OCT06).

Rumors suggest staff at Hyde nightclub insisted on calling an ambulance when Richie fainted and fell to the floor, but her friends insisted they'd take the socialite to hospital.

Sources tell news website TMZ, "The friends then carried Richie out of the club through the back door."

Richie's representative confirms her client was at Hyde briefly on Saturday night but denies she collapsed.

Last week (ends27OCT06), Richie's representatives confirmed the star had entered a treatment facility to determine why she hasn't gained weight.