Nick Lachey Defends Jessica's "Curves"

Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson are best buds. Both childhood friends, the pop stars even flirted with marriage--if only for fifteen minutes. Now Lachey is lashing out at the tabloids for their criticism of Jessica's weight.

"I think it's ridiculous that the media is making such a big deal about it," Lachey told reporters at his annual Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic party. "It's ridciulous that it would be making headlines...I wish her nothing but happiness."

The saga began last week, as photos of Ms. Simpson's performance--and her bottom--circulated the Web and made their way onto cable programs.

The New York Post even got into the act, running an editorial cartoon as well as a photo of Simpson in a black ensemble they described as a "waist-length jacket over her skin-tight pants and white belt".

Lachey is just the latest in a string of celebrities coming to Simpson's aid, including sister Ashlee Simpson and brother-in-law Pete Wentz of "Fall Out Boy" fame.

Lachey, 35, was formerly married to Simpson between 2002 and 2006. The duo also starred in a reality show "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica" which ran for four seasons before its cancellation in 2006.