Los Angeles, Dec 5 (IANS): Singer Jessica Simpson is said to be going out of her way to have minimal contact with her father Joe, since her parents announced their divorce amid rumours he is gay.

Simpson didn't even attend her nephew Bronx's fourth birthday as she can't stand to be in the same room as her father, reports usmagazine.com.

"One of her girlfriends says it's because she doesn't want to be anywhere near her dad," said a source.

A source previously said: "Joe has been respectfully turning up at NBC at times he knows Jessica won't be there, It's the only way that it could have worked, because Jessica is struggling to work with him around her."

"Jessica comes in, fulfils her work requirements and leaves, and then Joe comes in later to check in with producers and conduct any meetings that are needed."

Simpson, 32, who is pregnant with her second child with fiance Eric Johnson, just doesn't want any awkward run-ins with her father and doesn't feel comfortable with him being around her right now.

"She's still struggling to come to terms with Joe's coming out, leaving her mom and his gay affairs and doesn't want to work on re-building their relationship until she's good and ready," said the source.

Joe, who denies he is gay, was sentenced to three years' probation for driving under the influence (DUI) last month.