Jessica Simpson has been comforted by Johnny Knoxville, her sexy "Dukes of Hazzard" co-star, since her public split from singer Nick Lachey.

But despite his compassion for Jessica, sources insist Johnny Knoxville and Jessica Simpson are just good friends.

"There's nothing going between them. Johnny is a happily married man who just feels very protective of Jess and what she is having to go through at the moment," Daily Star reports.

Jessica Simpson married Nick Lachey in 2002 and the pair went on to star in their own reality TV show "Newlyweds."

The pair had been at the centre of endless break-up rumours over the last six months and finally announced they were splitting last week.

Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey said in a statement: "After three years of marriage, and careful thought and consideration, we have decided to part ways."

And to make things worse, Jessica Simpson's name is being dragged through the courts as two marketing companies battle over cash earned from her branding rights to clothing and cosmetic lines. 

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