Jessica Simpson's dad refutes gay rumours

Los Angeles - Jessica Simpson's father has hit back at rumours he is gay.

Joe Simpson - who recently announced he and his wife Tina have "amicably split" after 35 years together amid allegations she found pictures of him with 21-year-old aspiring male model Bryce Chandler Hill - is said to be extremely frustrated by the speculation and told friends it is completely false.

Sources close to former pastor have branded the accusations "ridiculous" and told gossip website TMZ.com Joe's sexuality had nothing to do with the breakup of his marriage.

But other insiders have claimed the 54-year-old father-of-two is simply not ready to come out publicly.

'She's sad but she's fine'

Jessica and her 28-year-old sister Ashlee are said to be coping well with their parents sudden split.

A source close to the Fashion Star mentor, 32, said: "She's going on with everything. She's sad but she's fine."

Tina filed for divorce papers in Texas on 24 September, stating: "The marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities."

The couple put their $4.4m mansion on the market last month amid speculation they were living apart.