Nicole Richie has certainly learnt that prevention is better than cure, and has now banned beau Joel Madden from posing for pics with other pretty girls.

Richie, who is well aware how fast rumours can spread in tinsel town, has put her man on a short leash, and the news comes from Madden himself.

Madden was at the hotspot Village Pourhouse on Third Avenue celebrating its first anniversary when a party promoter asked him to pose with a cute woman.

However, Madden turned down the offer, citing his ladylove's instructions.

"He said he couldn't, as Nicole gave him strict orders not to take pictures with other celebrities or girls for rumour purposes," the New York Post quoted a source, as saying.

The couple are expecting their first child later this year.