Overview

• In a Los Angeles Times interview published Aug. 26 and a recent Pod Meets World appearance, Simpson reflects on the 2004 incident and its aftermath.
• She describes the reaction as intense and dehumanizing, saying the bullying was “insane” and that she spent years reiterating she performs live.
• Simpson says a flare-up of acid reflux affected her voice, leading to use of a pre-recorded track as the wrong song played before her second number.
• She credits the experience with shaping her art, calling her 2005 album I Am Me “rawer” and a product of developing thicker skin while staying vulnerable.
• She is set to begin a Las Vegas residency on Friday, Aug. 29, marking a new professional chapter as she revisits the episode publicly.