Jessica Simpson

Singer/actress Jessica Simpson has been accused of "hurting millions of fat people in America" by banning the sale of a secret fitness DVD.

The actress recorded the workout tape produced by fitness video company Speedfit ahead of her role as Daisy Duke in the Dukes of Hazzard in 2005.

But despite signing a multi-million pound contract, the 27-year-old changed her mind and banned its release, reports New York gossip column PageSix.com.

Speedfit owner Alex Astilean has now launched a lawsuit against her manager dad Joe after failing to secure a GBP5 million settlement from Simpson last year.

Astilean says, "They are hurting millions of fat people in America."

Simpson's spokesman tells the publication, "It's a legal matter that's in the hands of attorneys."