Simpson’s VMA Haul Under Scrutiny

Jessica Simpson’s huge freebie haul at last week’s (31AUG06) MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) has been called into question after promises to donate most to a charity have so far failed to materialise. The Dukes Of Hazzard beauty drove away in a brand new $50,000 (GBP27,800) Chrysler convertible, as well as picking up tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewellery, clothes and gadgets at the event. Her spokesman Rob Shuter immediately vowed the star would share most of her freebies with children’s charity Operation Smile. He said, “People like her don’t really need these things because they already have everything.” The organisation, which provides cosmetic surgery to youngsters with facial deformities, seemed to confirm Shuter’s claim.

Celebrity liaison officer, Dee Dee Sides, told the New York Daily News, “He didn’t say anything specific, but she wanted to donate some stuff. I think the car. Maybe we’ll do an online auction? I don’t really know.” However, in an astonishing turnaround, Shuter now appears to refute his earlier claims, insisting of his client: “I don’t think she has thought about it yet.” Simpson won the car when stars were invited to pick a key from a large bowl on stage. If their pick started a nearby Crossfire convertible, they drove it home. Simpson picked the right key.