14 DAY TRIAL // Ashlee and Jessica Simpson have always put up a common front whenever something bad happened to either of them, but never with such force as they are now. While Jessica is holding all the headlines for her fuller figure, Ashlee turns to her MySpace page to draw people’s attention to more serious issues, as well as to point out that health, and not the pounds, should be all the public must care about.
For those not in the know, Jessica Simpson, now retired from pop and making only country music, performed the other day at the 99.9 KISS 24th Annual Chili Cook Off. It was not her performance, however, that got people, and especially the media, talking, but her visibly plumper figure, which even prompted rumors of a not yet official pregnancy. From that to being called downright “fat” was but a small step, and many publications and gossip websites took the step in the blink of an eye.
“Since when did a woman’s weight become newsworthy... I am completely disgusted by the headlines concerning my sister’s weight. A week after the inauguration and with such a feeling of hope in the air for our country, I find it completely embarrassing and belittling to all women to read about a woman's weight or figure as a headline on Fox News. [‘Jessica Simpson Shocks Fans With Noticeably Fuller Figure’]” Ashlee writes on her MySpace page.
Being a celebrity does not mean you sign up for being scrutinized around the clock, the singer continues by saying, and women are all different and should not be judged by the same patterns. “All women come in different shapes, sizes, and forms, and just because you’re a celebrity, there shouldn’t be a different standard. Is this something you would say to your wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, or even a friend? I seriously doubt it. How can we expect teenage girls to love and respect themselves in an environment where we criticize a size 2 figure? Now can we focus on the things that really matter.” Ashlee concludes by saying.
Ashlee is just one of the people who have stepped up to speak on behalf of Jessica’s weight gain. Trainer Harley Pasternak, who worked with her for her “Major Movie Star” film, has also told the media that, indeed, Jess had gained some weight, but was still in exceptional health, which is something all women should aspire to. “I think if more people looked the way she looks now, the country would be a lot healthier. Jessica was a fantastic client. I think Jessica has a really healthy perspective on her healthy body image and looks like a woman. I would take her body any day over somebody who’s emaciated and looks unhealthy.” Pasternak adds.
