Gaunt Ashlee Simpson shows the strain as she emerges for first time since parents announced divorce amid gay claims

PUBLISHED: 17:51 EST, 25 October 2012 | UPDATED: 11:05 EST, 26 October 2012

It is just a day since it was sensationally claimed her father had confessed to his family he is gay.

And it seems the strain from the allegations are getting to Ashlee Simpson, as she looked drawn and gaunt as she went walkabout in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The 28-year-old looked glum as she carried her pet French bulldog pup, the first time she has been spotted since the National Enquirer published the story her father Joe had come out of the closet.

In shock: Ashlee Simpson looked under strain as she went walkabout in Los Angeles on Thursday

She wore a simple combo of sleeveless top, black jeans and boots, while she hid her eyes behind sunglasses and wore her hair raked back.

On Wednesday a family spokesperson denied reports Tina and Joe Simpson are pulling the plug on their 34-year marriage because he is gay.

In a statement a representative said: 'Tina and Joe Simpson have filed for divorce. It is an amicable split and there is no third party involved.

'Any other related allegations are completely false. The family appreciates your respect for their privacy at this time.

The carefully worded statement did not outright deny the National Enquirer report he had recently 'came out of the closet' during a family meeting two months ago however.

Coming out for the first time: Ashlee had not been seen since the explosive allegations were reported

Happy family: Ashlee is very close to her father Joe and mother Tina and is said to be in shock

The story is continuing to develop, with Radar reporting Jessica Simpson was completely blindsided by her father’s alleged bombshell.

An insider said: 'Jessica had absolutely no clue that her father was gay, not even the slightest inkling.

'She thinks she has very good gaydar, especially since a lot of her friends are gay, but she did not see this coming at all.

'It was a complete shock to the system, she feels terribly for her mom who was left reeling by the announcement and her sister Ashlee has also taken the news quite badly.

'Jessica’s been trying to process the information slowly, but she’s having difficulty dealing with it. She can’t understand why Joe stayed married to Tina for so long, and can't help wondering how much of their life was a lie," the source continues.

'Despite that, she’s going to stand by him and support his decision. After all, he’s still her father and Joe’s always been there for Jessica whenever she’s needed him... And not just as a father, but as her manager too.'

Right behind him: Jessica Simpson is said to be sticking by her father despite the nature of the claims

Mixing business with pleasure: Jessica is especially close to Joe as he guided her career as her manager

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"she emerges for first time since parents announced divorce". this makes it sound like she's been in hiding for a month! be serious, it's a day later and she's walking around carrying her dog. and her 'gauntness' is more to do with the fact that she looks like she hasn't had a hearty meal in months than weight supposedly melting off her in 24 hours

- babymaddux , chicago, United Kingdom, 26/10/2012 16:13

Click to rate Rating 112

Love the French bulldog! But I agree with some other comments - this dog is not the "pocket size" and should walk, not be carried...

- Lucy , STL, 26/10/2012 15:39

Click to rate Rating 36

Oh please. . . No one takes anything that the National Enquirer writes as truth! This is the same magazine that writes tell-all's from people who have been probed by aliens and claim that Elvis is still alive. She looks like she's trying to have a normal day, ignoring the paps stalking her outside her home. Get a grip Daily Mail.

- Nancy Pants , New York, 26/10/2012 15:30

Click to rate Rating 18

uh she doesn't look strained

- sammyc59 , chicago, 26/10/2012 15:23

Click to rate Rating 34

I think they are just comparing her picture to the picture with her parents, she was a bit bigger.

- Pixie , Miami Beach, United States, 26/10/2012 15:21

Click to rate Rating 16

Leave her alone DM, she needs her own private time to deal with this obviously!!

- michelle1974 , somewhere in Yorkshire, United Kingdom, 26/10/2012 13:38

Click to rate Rating 10

so you're saying she suddenly got thinner in the one day since the announcement?