Jessica Simpson has always been known for her transparency when it comes to her personal life, but her latest revelation has left fans stunned. In a shocking post-divorce confession, the singer and fashion mogul claimed that her ex-husband, former NFL player Eric Johnson, psychologically manipulated her throughout their marriage and attempted to drag her into what she describes as a cult-like belief system.
This unexpected disclosure has ignited widespread discussion, with many fans expressing concern over what Simpson endured behind closed doors. While the couple often appeared happy in public, her recent statements suggest a much darker reality—one in which she was subtly controlled and coerced into beliefs and practices she never truly accepted.
Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson tied the knot in 2014, seemingly building a strong family together with their three children. However, according to Simpson, things were not as perfect as they appeared.
She claims that Johnson gradually influenced her thinking, leading her down a path she never intended to take.
At the core of her claims is Johnson’s alleged involvement in a group with cult-like tendencies. While she has not named the specific organization or ideology, Simpson suggests that it revolved around rigid beliefs, extreme lifestyle changes, and an expectation of complete submission.
Over time, she says she began to feel trapped, unable to express her true thoughts and opinions without facing backlash from her own husband. This, she claims, was a form of psychological control—one that took years for her to fully recognize.
According to Simpson, Johnson used manipulation tactics that made her doubt her own perceptions. She describes a gradual process where he made her feel as though her instincts were wrong and that following his belief system was the only path to enlightenment and salvation.
Some of the key tactics she says he used include:
- Isolating Her from Outsiders: Simpson claims that Johnson discouraged her from maintaining certain friendships and outside influences that might have helped her see the situation more clearly.
- Emotional Guilt-Tripping: She alleges that Johnson framed any resistance on her part as a sign of weakness or a failure to support him.
- Subtle Mind Games: According to Simpson, she was made to feel as though she needed to "evolve" spiritually under his guidance, with any doubts being labeled as ignorance or fear.
For a long time, Simpson says she convinced herself that this was part of a normal marriage dynamic, until she realized she had lost control over her own thoughts and choices.
It wasn’t until their separation that Simpson says she fully grasped the extent of Johnson’s influence. With distance, she began to see the manipulation for what it was.
Since the divorce, she has focused on reclaiming her independence, surrounding herself with a support system that encourages her to think for herself. She also credits therapy for helping her recognize the psychological toll of the relationship and how she can prevent similar situations in the future.
Her experience has resonated with many people who have dealt with controlling partners, sparking a broader conversation about psychological manipulation in relationships.
Fans have reacted with a mix of shock, sympathy, and anger. Many have expressed their support for Simpson, praising her for speaking out about something that many women experience in silence.
Meanwhile, Johnson has yet to publicly respond to the allegations. If he chooses to, it will likely add another layer of drama to an already heated discussion.
Now that she has spoken her truth, Simpson is reportedly focused on moving forward with her life. She continues to grow her business empire while working on personal healing.
Her story serves as a reminder that even seemingly perfect relationships can have dark undercurrents. Psychological manipulation is not always obvious, and Simpson’s experience highlights how important it is to recognize red flags before they escalate.