Some people slammed her for being curvy…

Others said she looked great.

pete-wentzNow Jessica Simpson herself has spoken out for the first time since her newly voluptuous figure caused huge waves across the world of showbiz.

Addressing crowds during a concert in Charlottesville, Virginia, Jessica, dressed in a pair of tight, leather pants (see gallery below), said:

“Thank you for your support. Stay positive, and pray out loud.

“Please remember, no matter what you go through in life, somebody else might have it harder, so just appreciate.”

In a veiled reference to the storm of controversy over her figure, Jess continued:

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

Meanwhile, Pete Wentz has jumped to the defence of his sister-in-law in the great weight debate.

“I think that the media puts too harsh of a spotlight on women in general, and I think it’s a bummer,” he told reporters from Us magazine. “Real beauty is on the inside, man.”

Great, Pete, a bummer, huh? That’ll be a true comfort to Jess when she’s agonising over the reaction to her new look.

Anyway… check out Jess’ hot bod and the way it’s changed, in our gallery, below