RETURNABLE COMES BETWEEN KIDMAN AND CRUISE!
Tuesday • February 6, 2001


Returnables bassist Reginald Lee Ray and Hollywood screen siren Nicole Kidman
have gone public with their affair. The couple is seen leaving the recent Fixx
concert at Joe's on Weed St. in Chicago (AP photo)

CHICAGO - The curtain has dropped on the marriage of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman - and sources close to the Hollywood power couple are attributing the split to a third party: Returnables bassist Reggie Lee Ray.

While a publicist for Cruise said the separation was the result of "the difficulties inherent in divergent careers, which constantly kept them apart," a source close to Kidman admitted it was the leggy Australian's ongoing affair with the foppish pop star that brought an end to the 10 year marriage.

Lee Ray, who had been previously linked to Markie Post, could not be reached for comment.

However, a spokesman for the band said "Reggie and Nicole are very happy together, and they hope you'll respect their privacy during this difficult period." Despite the plea, he conceded the paparazzi will probably be in attendance at the Returnables' upcoming Fireside Bowl show. "It'll most likely be a madhouse," he said.