Regardless of the entourage reports and costs associated with Jessica Simpson’s trip to Iraq, the end result should be how she brought some cheer to the troops serving there, right? Well, according to some U.S. military personnel present at the concert, Simpson was a disappointment — acting more like a “diva” than someone there under their own volition to lend a helping hand. “It was a promotional event for Tom Anderson, Myspace, (and) Jessica, at the expense of the taxpapers,” said one soldier named Paul. “She and the PCD’s (Pussy Cat Dolls) didn’t leave a very good impression with the troops.”

Another solider named Joel thought DJ Z-Trip, Carlos Mencia, Metal Sanaz, Disturbed and Filter were more than accessible to the troops. Echoing similar feelings by Paul, he thought Simpson and the Pussycat Dolls left a bad impression. “The Pussy cat dolls and Jessica Simpson were there just for the publicity. Yes it was good for them to actually come out for it — that was awesome — but they only did it for publicity. Find one pic of any of them with a soldier or troop other than them serving chow at the chow hall. Which what Paul says they did for only 5 minutes.”

Another commenter named Stephanie said her brother serving in Iraq was dismayed by Simpson’s refusal to meet and greet troops while the Pussy Cat Dolls were. “My brother is in Kuwait and he said she acted like a diva. Refusing to come meet the soldiers while the pussycat dolls were meeting them so she was not in the same camera shot. She had many demands and her first priority was certainly not the troops it was more like her time to be “seen” with the troops.”

So there we have it — she could have been paid a zillion dollars, but at the end of the day, it was why she was there that was more important than anything else. Apparently, however, the “why” never figured into the equation as much as the photo opportunities and impressions of good will. Damn shame. Read the full comments by the troops here.

Categories: Causes
Tags: jessica simpson.

About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.

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