Richie: 'I Was Once Branded Voluptuous'

THE SIMPLE LIFE star Nicole Richie is bemused by the constant criticism she now gets for her svelte figure because she was referred to as "voluptuous" just two years ago.

Richie, daughter of soul veteran Lionel Richie, gained the weight after going into rehab for heroin use just before setting off to Arkansas to film the first season of her hit reality show with then-pal Paris Hilton in 2003.

And while she's attacked for returning to her old slim frame, she can remember the days when she was thought of differently.

She says, "When we were promoting the first season, people would ask me how I felt about being a voluptuous woman. I was weird because I've been skinny my whole life. I can show you pictures of me the day I left for rehab!

"But to be honest, it really wasn't something I thought about.

"Sometimes, it seems like they just don't have anything better to focus on. Some people I know live for the spotlight. They completely get off on it and that's their while entire life."