Jessica Simpson Hints at Cheating Ex in Song Amid Eric Johnson Split
Fans are speculating that Jessica Simpson may have hinted that her estranged husband, Eric Johnson, cheated on her with another woman during their marriage in her newly released track, “Leave.”
The singer, 44, released the second single of her upcoming EP, Nashville Canyon: Part 1, on Friday, March 7, and the lyrics have many questioning if it’s about her split and separation from Eric, 45.
“What we had was magic/ Now you made it tragic/ Giving her what you gave to me/ Now the well that you drink from’s empty/ Your weakness made me lonely,” Jessica sang in the tune, showcasing her raw and beautifully broken voice. “Unholy matrimony/Did you do to her what you did to me? Was she on her knees?”
After begging her partner to leave in the song, Jessica sings she’d “rather die than let you be inside me with her on your mind.”
The song continues, “I am stronger on my own/ So hold on, I’m letting you go.”
Eric has not yet addressed the speculation and it’s unclear if the song is about a past love or just a soulful ballad.
Jessica shared a promo image for “Leave” via Instagram hours before it was released on YouTube. After fans listened to the tune, they shared their thoughts in the comments section of the post.
“I loveee this one!!! And I had no idea … so sad!!!” one fan commented.
Meanwhile, a second person recited the lyrics, writing, “‘I am stronger on my own so hold on I’m letting you go.’ Oh you ate with that one.”
Jessica announced she and Eric separated in January after 10 years of marriage and explained that a “painful situation” caused them to live separately.
“Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them,” the Dukes of Hazzard actress told People in a statement. “We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family.”
The pair share three kids, son Maxwell Drew Johnson, 12, son Ace Knute Johnson, 11, and daughter Birdie Mae, 5.
The following month, Jessica told the outlet that she considers herself “one of the lucky ones” even though her “heart gets tossed around.”
“At least I have my children and I still have Eric. He’s still very much a part of my life and will always be,” the “With You” singer said.
Life & Style reported troubles in Jessica and Eric’s marriage nearly one year before she announced their separation and revealed they were headed for a divorce.
In February 2024, a source exclusively told Life & Style that “[Jessica’s wedding] ring comes off” when they fight.
“Issues come up — just this year they’ve gone through ups and downs and faced challenges — but they’re both dedicated to the relationship,” the insider shared at the time. “Jessica and Eric say couples counseling has really saved their marriage and taught them invaluable life lessons.”
Eight months later, a second insider exclusively gave Life & Style an update on Jessica and Eric’s marriage and revealed that the Hollywood star was keeping her wedding ring at home.
“Their marriage seems to be hanging on by a thread,” the second source shared at the time.
By November 2024, Life & Style reported that there were “unresolved issues” in their marriage and they reached “a boiling point.”
Around the same time, Entertainment Tonight reported that there were “rumblings about Eric being overly flirtatious during their relationship, especially when he drinks.”