METALLICA - METALLICA STAR SPLITS WITH WIFE

METALLICA drummer LARS ULRICH has split with his wife SKYLAR, following reports he's dating actress CONNIE NIELSEN.

The NOTHING ELSE MATTERS star was spotted kissing the GLADIATOR beauty in New York recently, sparking fears he was cheating on his wife, but it's now emerged he split with Skylar back in March (04).

Ulrich's representative tells website PAGESIX.COM, "Lars and Skylar are very private people. They have been separated since March.

"They didn't think it was anyone's business, but since you've got the story, they're going public with it on Metallica's website.

"They will share custody of their two kids."

Skylar, a former flame of MATT DAMON's, has famously been credited with being the inspiration for MINNIE DRIVER's character Skylar in movie GOOD WILL HUNTING.