Jessica Simpson's manager-dad Joe has hit out at claims he spied on his daughter's ex-husband singer/actor Nick Lachey before the couple divorced last month. The New York Daily News reports a source claimed the protective father was desperate to keep an eye on Lachey in the seven-month separation before the split was finalized in court.

He allegedly even bullied a club boss to grant access to security videotapes on evenings Lachey had attended with girls in tow. The source says, "Joe was looking to incriminate Nick. He told the club, 'If you ever want to see my daughter there, you'll give me what I want.'"

A representative for the Simpson family have dismissed the story as absurd.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)