Jessica Simpson's publicist puts Billy Bush in his place

[CatWoman]

At this point, Simpson's off-camera publicist jumped in and reprimanded, "I would stay away from that."

This trend continued for the entire interview, even though Bush tried to defend his job, saying that his position was to ask these questions. The publicist only reiterated the main reason for the interview: "This is just about the line, and that's all we're talking about. That's why we're here today. I need you to stay with that."

Bush and Simpson then made a good show of switching gears to admire the footwear she brought in, including boots inspired by her "Dukes of Hazzard" character Daisy Duke. After the shoe chat, Bush decided to discuss Simpson's recent charity work with Operation Smile, for which she traveled to Africa. Once again, Bush was shut down when trying to get more details about the trip.That's it," said the publicist. "No other questions."

Simpson just offered a small smile, and added, "Sorry. I gotta listen to my peeps."

According to Bush's blog, he says that later he received a couple of scathing emails from the singer's dad/manager Joe Simpson accusing Bush of being "untruthful" after he agreed to keep the interview impersonal.

http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/1,1002,271|98502|1|,00.html

Here's Billy's blog: http://www.accesshollywood.com/station/4049956/detail.html








http://www.accesshollywood.com/station/4049956/detail.html#

[suzbaby]

1. I think it's silly

for a celebrity to talk to reporters and expect them to only stick to the topics and questions that were predetermined as "ok."
It's a reporter's job to ask questions (not that I am calling Billy Bush much of a reporter) and I think it's ridiculous for celebrities to attempt to use reporters and the media as sockpuppets to promote their new line of handbags, perfume, or lilac scented toilet paper.
If they don't want to answer a question when it comes up, why not just say so? Why does a publicist have to butt in and prevent the question?