RUSSELL SIMMONS - SIMMONS' EX DEFENDS SPLIT

RUSSELL SIMMONS' former girlfriend has blasted reports the hip-hop mogul's controlling ways led to their split - calling him her "best friend".
Former Star Search model Porschla Coleman came to Simmons' defence on Friday (11Jul08), hitting back at claims his demanding personality put a strain on their relationship.
She tells the New York Daily News, "I am not prepared to go into detail, but Russell is my best friend.
"There is no anger on either of our parts. It was a mutual decision. We just decided to be friends, and we're both very happy."
Coleman adds Simmons has even helped her redecorate her new apartment, now that she is moving out of the pair's shared home.
She says, "It's around the corner, and he helped me pick it (the furniture) out."
The couple began dating last year (07) but split last month (Jun08). Simmons was previously married to his former Phat Fashions colleague Kimora Lee. They split in March 2006.