Simpson denies romance with Hugo

Pop star Ashlee Simpson has laughed off reports of a romantic liaison with producer Chad Hugo, after the pair were seen leaving a US nightspot together this week.

Simpson, who has previously been linked to Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, was alleged to have settled for Hugo - one half of hip-hop beatmakers The Neptunes - after being snubbed by actor Ryan Phillippe, according to the New York Post.