Jessica Simpson has defended herself after her ex-husband, Nick Lachey, revealed that she flew first class to Hawaii while her three kids sat in coach.
Nick recalled his unexpected run-in with Jessica during a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, revealing that both their families were on the same flight, marking the first time they had seen each other in 20 years since their divorce.
During the chat, Nick said that Jessica sat in first class, while her children, Maxwell, 14, Ace, 12, and Birdie, seven, flew in a “separate class of service” with their dad, Eric Johnson.
Jessica has now set the record straight, revealing that she had nothing to do with the seating arrangements.
“My mom bought those tickets. It was my mom’s treat for us to go to Hawaii,” she said, according to Page Six.
Jessica insisted that if she had bought the tickets, “of course,” her children would be seated with her.
Nick and Jessica were married from 2002 to 2006, and fans saw their marriage deteriorate on their reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, which ran for two seasons.
Recalling the experience of finding Jessica on the same flight, Nick said it was “strangely okay.” He explained: “You know it’s been 20 years … and so we haven’t seen each other in those 20 years and then spent six and a half hours on a flight to Hawai’i together.”
© WireImageHe then clarified that by “spent” he meant they were simply in the “same vicinity,” though emphasized: “Everyone was very very cordial, very respectful.”
He further shared that his whole family was on the flight; Nick has been married to Vanessa Lachey since 2011, and they are parents to son Camden, 13, daughter Brooklyn, 11, and son Phoenix, nine.
© Getty ImagesJessica, meanwhile, announced her separation from Eric in January 2025 after 10 years of marriage.
The singer, actress, and business mogul confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement to People, sharing that she and her former NFL player husband had been living apart for some time.
“Eric and I have been living separately, navigating a painful situation in our marriage,” Jessica revealed at the time.
© Getty Images“Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family.”
The former couple has yet to finalize their divorce and appear to be on amicable terms. Last year, after Jessica and Eric spent Thanksgiving together with their kids, the former gave insight into how co-parenting was working for them.
© Getty ImagesSpeaking with TMZ at the airport, she said that “of course” they would celebrate the holiday together, maintaining: “It’s my kids’ father.”
It was reported last month that Jessica is dating Nashville-based musician Thomas Eisenhood.
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