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Jessica Simpson says she was sexually abused at 6, admits to taking diet pills as a teen in new book

In her memoir titled 'Open Book', Simpson discusses child sexual abuse, diet pill dependency, and body image issues. The singer turned designer sought help for alcoholism in 2017 and is now shall be releasing new music for the first time in 10 years
UPDATED FEB 5, 2020
Jessica Simpson (Getty Images)
Jessica Simpson (Getty Images)

Jessica Simpson has revealed that she was sexually abused as a child and was forced to take diet pills as a teen in her new memoir, 'Open Book'.

Speaking about the abuse to Hoda Kotb of NBC's 'Today,' Simpson said "At the time I didn't really understand what was happening. I knew something was wrong. I knew it was wrong what was going on. This was a very close person, and she was being abused. It happened throughout a long time in my life." Simpson, who says the abuse took place when she was six years old reveals that her abuser was a close family friend and a young girl herself whose house she would sleepover at times.

The singer-turned-designer found it difficult to talk to her parents about the abuse. "I was a preacher's daughter. I was taught to be a virgin until I got married, and so I never wanted to share these sexual things that were happening because I didn't want to hurt anybody." She eventually managed to tell her parents, stating "My parents' reaction — they did the best that they could...That's a heavy thing to hear from your child."

But despite their shock, her parents made sure to put an end to the abuse. "They ignored it with their words, for sure, but they took action, and I never had to do the sleepovers again. I never had to go back," says Simpson.

Martha Stewart (L) and Jessica Simpson onset during 2018 Friendsgiving For No Kid Hungry on September 19, 2018, in New York City (Getty Images)

While the star's alcoholism was no secret, especially following her disastrous interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2017, her prior dependence on diet pills is not as well known. As a young teen in the music industry, Simpson was told to lose 15 pounds which took her down the path of crash diets and pills. "I took diet pills. I didn't know what I was doing. I didn't know how much I was taking. It ended up being something I did for 20 years," she says.

Simpson was frequently in the news during her career as a pop singer, and her weight was often the topic of conversation in these stories.

Fashion Icon Award Honoree Jessica Simpson attends the 25th Annual QVC "FFANY Shoes on Sale" Gala at The Ziegfeld Ballroom on October 11, 2018, in New York City (Getty Images)

Choosing to finally confront her demons, Simpson sought therapy in 2017 to deal with her alcoholism. Now, two years sober, the star is baring it all in her memoir titled 'Open Book' and is even set to release new music for the first time in a decade.

Speaking about her journey, Simpson said, "It's about walking through fear and it being okay to be afraid. And the other side of fear is what's so beautiful. That's when you get the reward."

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