Nick Lachey joke about Jessica Simpson's dad

Nick Lachey had a laugh at the expense of his ex-wife Jessica Simpson's father on Tuesday (07May13) as he poked fun at rumors his former father-in-law has 'come out' as gay.

The 98 Degrees star was a guest on talk show Watch What Happens Live with his bandmate and brother, Drew, when he was quizzed about his relationship with the Simpson family.

Nick Lachey, who is now married to TV personality Vanessa Minnillo, admitted he lost touch with the singer/actress two years after their 2005 divorce, saying, "It's been years (since I've talked to Simpson). Years. Honestly, probably six years. It was like another lifetime ago."

He then took part in a question-and-answer game with host Andy Cohen and was quizzed about his ex-father-in-law, Joe Simpson, who is in the midst of a divorce from Jessica's mom Tina.

Asked what the best thing was about cutting ties with the former minister, Nick Lachey quipped, "I don't have to play grab a** under the table on Easter Sunday!"

He quickly realized he might have landed himself in trouble after Andy Cohen laughed and said, "That's very funny", prompting Lachey to reply, "It may not be tomorrow, but it is tonight."

Rumors about the patriarch's sexuality began surfacing last year (12) when Tina filed to end their 34-year marriage, but the Simpson family has yet to comment on the claims.