Richie Sambora has two women fighting over him.
The 54-year-old former Bon Jovi guitarist is said to have secretly been in an on/off relationship with Nikki Lund, 32, his partner in the Nikki Rich fashion line, for the last six years, but is now smitten with musician Orianthi Panagaris, 29, after meeting her at a party in Hawaii in December.
A source told the New York Daily News newspaper’s Confidenti@l column: "Richie told people that as soon as he met Ori, something sparked. It’s like he’s reclaiming his youth with her. He’s besotted."
Richie is currently touring Europe with Orianthi – who played guitar on Michael Jackson’s final tour – and Nikki is said to be growing increasingly frustrated that he is neglecting their empire.
The source said: "Nikki’s concern is the business. It seems like since he met Ori, Nikki Rich isn’t his priority. Basically, Richie’s away rocking in Europe with Ori while Nikki’s left running the business singlehandedly."
Last month, Nikki hit out at her would-be love rival on Twitter.
In a post she later deleted, she wrote: "Kinda sick of @orianthi & her BAD hair extensions. Lol. Yeah I said it … Yeeehawwww!!! (sic)"
She later added: "I stand by my tweet last night as I’m sad certain parties involved are trying to harm my working relationship w/my business partner. #enough. (sic)"
The former Bon Jovi guitarist – who has 17-year-old daughter Ava with ex-wife Heather Locklear – is said to be torn between his professional relationship with Nikki and her romance with Orianthi.
His spokesperson said only: "While I do not comment on our clients’ personal lives, I can tell you that Richie has an incredibly strong and steadfast work ethic. He is very excited about his artistic collaboration with Ori, and is deeply committed to his musical career, fashion company and of course his family."
Richie Sambora’s love woe
