>NEWS - Britney Spears Explains Kissing Madonna
[Speaking of which:]
New York Post [Page Six] - September 4, 2003
PARIS Hilton is pouring cold water on our scoop that she exchanged sapphic smooches with former Madonna galpal Ingrid Casares in South Beach last weekend. While two women locking lips at a nightclub seemed rather tame to us, our story prompted calls yesterday from Hilton's publicist, her parents, Rick and Kathy Hilton, best friend Nicole Richie, and Paris herself - all of whom denied that she and Casares had kissed at all. "We were dancing but I never kissed her," Paris swears. "We're just friends. Besides, I was with my boyfriend [Sum 41's Deryck Whibley] the whole time." OK, Paris, whatever you say. Meanwhile, mom Kathy blames a cabal of club promoters, inspired by the publicity bonanza over the Madonna/Britney Spears smooch, for spreading the rumors. "The fabrication that Paris was romantically involved with Ingrid Casares is a desperate attempt to promote various businesses," she said. "I warned my girls that when you accept plane tickets and hotel accommodations, there is no such thing as a free lunch."
[there's an adorable pic of Ingrid & Paris at <http://www.nypost.com/seven/09042003/gossip/39708.htm>]