Jessica Simpson's high-profile affair is accused of being a plot to make her ex jealous

Story: Splash News and Picture Agency


Simpson and Mayer have recently been happily photographed together after supposedly dating on the quest for months.

But insiders say behind the scenes the sparks are not flying between the pair - leading some to suggest that the "affair" is a PR campaign.

"Could it all be a big Simpson ruse to get back at ex-hubby Nick Lachey?," one U.S. celebrity blog suggested.

The rumours were sparked in part by revelations that, even though the pair stepping out always creates a ruckus, when alone together Simpson and Mayer are far more boring.
Onlookers at Nobu in Miami's South Beach said they were amazed to see the couple barely speak to one another during their date there. Jessica "just gave a lot of puppy-dog looks and twirled and twisted her hair."

The two were seen holding hands, but Simpson left Mayer for 20 minutes while she "fixed herself up for the camera" before heading back to their hotel. Sources say Simpson plans to join her boyfriend on tour - but if she's booking the hotels, they won't return to any of the spots she frequented with ex-husband Nick Lachey.

Miami insiders say that Lachey and Simpson always stayed at the Shore Club. This time, she and Mayer picked the Four Seasons. "Jessica hasn't been back to the Shore Club since she broke up with Nick," an insider said.

Simpson's spokeswoman Cindi Berger said: "I will not comment on her private life."