SIN CITY - RODRIGUEZ SPLITS WITH WIFE

SIN CITY film-maker ROBERT RODRIGUEZ and his wife ELIZABETH AVELLAN have split after 16 years of marriage. Rodriguez and Avellan insist their separation is amicable and they plan to raise their five children together, as well as continuing to work professionally as partners in their Troublemaker Studios production company, reports PageSix.com. Rodriguez, 37, told the crew on the set of his new movie GRIND HOUSE, "This is an extremely painful time for me and my family, and Elizabeth and I very much appreciate your understanding and patience."