There are many who believe that the marriage of Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey was doomed the moment they let a camera crew into their home. During a time when most young couples are quietly and privately settling into their newly acquired domestic bliss, these two were starring in Newlyweds. The whole point of that show was to invade their privacy and it makes sense that the presence of cameras would create some strain on the relationship. In the end, the marriage failed and the couple sadly went their separate ways.There is at least one person who doesn't see a connection between the failed marriage and the intrusion of the cameras: Jessica's dad, Joe Simpson. As Jessica's manager, Joe was the man responsible for making Newlyweds happen and sources say he's now seeing dollar signs when he looks at his younger daughter, Ashlee. Ashlee recently became engaged to Pete Wentz and rumor has it that she is with child. Kaching!
In my opinion, another reality show featuring a Simpson marriage sounds like a snooze-fest, but apparently Papa Joe thinks otherwise. "He knows that no one cared about Jessica before her reality show, and he's hoping a show for Ashlee will have the same effect," a source says.
By "same effect", I am sure he means popularity and ratings, not divorce. At any rate, a publicist for Ashlee and Pete says it isn't true and that the couple have no plans to star in a Newlyweds 2. But that same publicist says Ashlee isn't pregnant, so who knows.
1. Incredible! What a hatefully presumptuous post. You act as if Joe forced Nick and Jessica into the show. Perhaps he encouraged it; perhaps it was even his idea. In the end, though, Nick and Jessica are two adults who made their own decisions. They both have free choice, just like the rest of us. Joe Simpson did not "ruin" their marriage and he won't "ruin" Ashley's; he doesn't have the power to do that. Please stop treating Jessica, Nick, Ashley, and Pete like helpless invalids. The Simpsons, the Lacheys, and Mr. Wentz are celebrities - they invited the spotlight. Joe Simpson appears to be right their with his daughters every step of the way with regard to both their careers and their personal lives. Beyond that, I don't presume to know what kind of father, husband, or human he is. He has done nothing to merit your vilification of him.
On a more general note: What ever happened to giving people the benefit of the doubt that they are doing what's right for their families? That dogma apparently does not apply to celebrities...
Posted at 1:34PM on May 5th 2008 by Mel