Simpson’s parents to divorce
Jessica Simpson’s parents have filed for divorce.
Joe and Tina Simpson – who are also parents to Jessica’s sister Ashlee Simpson – have "amicably split" after 35 years of marriage, and a representative for the family has dismissed any other allegations about the reason for the couple going their separate ways as "completely false".
A representative told PEOPLE: "It is an amicable split and there is no third party involved.
"Any other related allegations are completely false. The family appreciates your respect for their privacy at this time."
This was an apparent referral to a National Enquirer report that Joe had told his family that he was gay.
An insider allegedly told the publication: "Joe got the family together about two months ago and came out of the closet. He told them that he’d tried to continue in his marriage to Tina, but he couldn’t go on any longer and deny the fact that he had these feelings for men."
The divorce comes during an eventful few months for Joe — who also acts as Jessica’s manager — after he pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence (DUI) in September.
The showbiz patriarch claimed in a Los Angeles court room he was not drink-driving, despite blowing .12 on the breathalyser, .04 higher than the legal limit, on August 4, and he is due back in court later this month.
He was arrested in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, because the police thought he was intoxicated and he spent the night in a cell. He was released the next morning and charged with two misdemeanor counts of DUI.
If Joe is convicted on both counts then he could face a year in jail, but he is more likely to receive a $1000 fine and 36 months of probation because it would be his first offence.
