Nick Lachey is getting candid about the emotional toll of his highly publicized divorce from Jessica Simpson, revealing that the split left him with lasting "scars." The 51-year-old TV personality opened up about the challenges of moving forward from his 2006 divorce on Season 3 of "The Ultimatum," which premiered on Netflix Wednesday.
While speaking with a contestant about their apprehensions around marriage, Lachey drew from his own experience. "I, too, was previously married, divorced, so I understand the hurt, the scars that exist from that," Nick shared, according to E! News.
He explained that despite the pain of his first marriage ending, he chose to remain optimistic about love and take a leap of faith when he met his now-wife, Vanessa Lachey, whom he married in July 2011. "Don't let your past define your future," he advised. "What I truly always wanted in my life, which was to have a beautiful marriage and a beautiful family—if I hadn't retained my belief in that, I wouldn't have ever realized the beautiful life I have with this woman."
Nick and Jessica's romance began in 1998 after they met at a Hollywood Christmas Parade. The two tied the knot in October 2002 and gave fans an intimate look into their relationship with their reality show, "Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica," which aired from 2003 to 2005. While the show became a cultural phenomenon, it also highlighted the cracks in their marriage, with Nick often depicted as the patient husband to Jessica's "ditzy blonde" persona.
Their marriage ended in 2006, with both parties citing irreconcilable differences. Following the split, Nick moved on with Vanessa, 44, whom he met while filming the music video for his single "What's Left of Me." The couple now shares three children: Camden John, 12, Brooklyn Elisabeth, 9, and Phoenix Robert, 7.
Jessica also found love again, marrying former NFL player Eric Johnson in 2014. The pair share three children—Maxwell Drew, 12, Ace Knute, 11, and Birdie Mae, 5. However, recent rumors suggest Jessica and Eric may be facing their marital struggles.
Remembering Jessica Simpson's iconic "Chicken of the Sea" tuna mix-up
Jessica Simpson became a household name in the early 2000s, not just for her music or marriage to Nick Lachey, but also for one unforgettable moment on MTV's reality show "Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica." It was 2003, and during one of the couple's casual meals, Jessica innocently posed a question that has since been immortalized in pop culture history. "Is this chicken, what I have, or is this fish?" she asked while holding a forkful of her meal. Confused, she clarified, "I know it's tuna, but it says 'Chicken of the Sea.' Is that stupid?"
Nick's amused expression and his deadpan response perfectly captured the hilarity of the moment. What could have been an easily forgotten misunderstanding instead became a defining scene that fans of the show still reference to this day.
The mix-up reflected Jessica's endearing authenticity, which made her relatable to viewers. Jessica herself later embraced the moment, admitting in interviews that she genuinely didn't understand the branding of "Chicken of the Sea" as a type of tuna. The phrase has since taken on a life of its own, often referring to moments of innocent confusion.