Jessica Simpson Made an A+ ‘Newlyweds’ Joke About the Subway Tuna Controversy

Jessica Simpson has weighed in on the Subway tuna controversy with a hilarious throwback joke. 

For those who don’t know, the restaurant chain Subway was recently hit with a lawsuit alleging its tuna is “a mixture of various concoctions that do not constitute tuna,” according to People. 

Subway categorically denies the claims. Let’s establish that first. In a statement to People, the brand said, “There simply is no truth to the allegations in the complaint that was filed in California. Subway delivers 100% cooked tuna to its restaurants, which is mixed with mayonnaise and used in freshly made sandwiches, wraps, and salads that are served to and enjoyed by our guests. The taste and quality of our tuna make it one of Subway’s most popular products, and these baseless accusations threaten to damage our franchisees, small business owners who work tirelessly to uphold the high standards that Subway sets for all of its products, including its tuna.” 

Simpson is familiar with tuna-related drama. In a now-classic scene from her MTV reality show Newlyweds, she asks then-husband Nick Lachey about the Chicken of the Sea tuna she’s eating. “Is this chicken that I have, or is this fish?” she says. 

She continues, “I know it’s tuna, but it says ‘Chicken by the Sea.’ Is that stupid? What is it called — ‘Chicken by the Sea’ or ‘In the Sea?’”

Lachey told Simpson in response, “Chicken of the Sea is the brand. You know, ’cause a lot of people eat tuna, just like a lot of people eat chicken. Chicken of the Sea.”

The scene is part of Simpson’s comedic legacy, and she referenced it in her tweet about the Subway situation. “It’s OK @SUBWAY,” Simpson tweeted. “It IS confusing.” 

Iconic. Jessica Simpson posted something similar in 2017 after Whole Foods had to recall more than 400 pounds of tuna salad after discovering it contained chicken. “It happens to the best of us @WholeFoods,” she tweeted.

We love a self-deprecating legend.