Simpson hits back at weight reports

Jessica Simpson has slammed recent press coverage of her new fuller figure.

In the first public appearance since the pictures were published, the singer claimed that media stories about her weight gain were "pointless".

Dressed in skin-tight leather pants, Simpson took to the stage in Virginia and thanked fans for their support. "Stay positive, and pray out loud," she said.

"Please remember, no matter what you go through in life, somebody else might have it harder, so just appreciate," People quotes her as saying.

"I feel like in our world today we focus on so many things that are completely pointless."

Following the performance, the audience were quick to support the star.

"Good lord, give the woman a break, she looks great," fan Debbie Stollings said. "It's mean. She looks more curvy, more womanly. She looks healthy. If Tony Romo's happy, everybody else need to be too."

Jessica's sister Ashlee recently said that she was "disgusted" at how the press had reacted to the pictures.