Exclusive: Source: Pete Wentz "Shocked" by Ashlee's PDA With His Pal

Celebrity Body March 10, 2011 AT 2:48PM By UsWeekly Staff

Credit: John Sciulli/WireImage.com; Noel Vasquez/Getty Images; Koki Nagahama/Getty Images

Ashlee Simpson may have found her rebound man -- who just happens to be a friend of Pete Wentz, her soon-to-be ex-husband.

Photos at E! News show Simpson, 25, shopping in L.A. with rocker Craig Owens, who holds her close with his arm around her shoulders.

(Last month, the singer-actress filed for divorce from Fall Out Boy's Wentz, 31, after nearly two years of marriage.)

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According to E!, singer-songwriter Owens, 26, is the former frontman for the punk group Chiodos, and is now signed to Wentz's record label, Decaydance. This summer, Owens will tour with a new group Wentz helped organize, D.R.U.G.S. (Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows).

Back in January 2010, Wentz even gushed to MTV News that Owens was his favorite new artist.

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So what does Wentz think of his protege's new potential romance with his future ex-wife?

"Pete did a lot for this guy," a Wentz source tells UsMagazine.com. "Craig was in another band and got kicked out. Pete found Craig, built a band around him and signed him. He's shocked at how this guy is repaying him."

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Counters a source close to Simpson: "Ashlee and Craig are longtime friends. They have spent some time together, and he is comforting her throughout this difficult time."

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March 16, 2011 - 9:59am Myopinion Doescount
How do you know she has feelings for him in a romantic way? I'm with Jes... he may have just been consoling her. I have friends of the opposite sex that I hug everytime I see them. I may be engaged but that shouldn't restrict my life to not being able to hug my friends or listen to them or tell them I love them. Leave her alone.... it's none of your business and until you have proof she's already moved on, beat it.....
March 12, 2011 - 12:01am Sharon Bennett
She is trash
March 11, 2011 - 1:55am Kasey Lasse
I think Pete is going to get the raw end of the deal. Both Simpson sisters are cheaters I bet.
March 11, 2011 - 12:41am Thomas Chi
Why? Pete get a life. Ashlee doesn't need you. Get back to work. Summer is coming. Don't you have a tour to prepare for? No. MP3, piracy, internet taking away your fun money? Thomas Chi Author Selling Sex with Sarah Palin PresidentSarah.Net
March 10, 2011 - 9:36pm Laurie Griffith
Ashlee filed for divorce after such a short time, then is found in the arms of her husband's best friend. Coincidence? Don't think so - think she was cheating before she filed. PS - a "hoe" is a garden tool. Thank you.
March 10, 2011 - 8:35pm Jay Ken
She might stay with her son for awhile instead of looking to h0 up right away.
March 10, 2011 - 7:36pm Zakkiyya Tweetie Mckie
she a hoe
March 10, 2011 - 7:06pm Jessica Park
Craig Owens is nasty! He's got some serious issues himself not someone I would want around if I was going through a divorce
March 10, 2011 - 7:03pm Jasmine StrÃ¶mberg
Well, there may not be true or maybe it is, I have no clue... But if it is, dear heavens, it's too soon to even be respectful, even for a celebrity. And well, since I have no clue on how they really are, so in all my naÃ¯vity, I wouldn't have settled with that when I've had Pete. :)
March 10, 2011 - 6:13pm Jes Gibson
$20 bucks they were just hanging out. My guy friends have hugged me in the mall before, to COMFORT ME after a break up... if it's more, good for her for moving on with her life!
March 10, 2011 - 4:42pm Joanie Croce
so right abigail- what a mess she is - there should be a time period where you actually "morn" your loss of marriage not just jump on the next guy so soon
March 10, 2011 - 4:38pm Abigail Morris
Yeah, he's comforting her with his pen15.
March 10, 2011 - 4:21pm Kathy Mailloux
There are 2 sides to every story...hey she is moving on with her life...that doesn't make her a bad person or bad mother...it's her right to date whom who ever she wants who says there has to be time limit????
March 10, 2011 - 4:09pm Lavina Boykin
Maybe the hair came between the relationship..LOL.
March 10, 2011 - 4:03pm Tara L. Updike
What a hoe! I mean shouldnt she be worried about raising her son and not hooking up with the first guy she sees. These simpson women should learn how to be strong independent women instead of depending on men so much. Being single aint all that bad
March 10, 2011 - 3:28pm Randy Bellows
She's being a real beotch, even over their son.
March 10, 2011 - 3:28pm Jennifer Wilson Gatts
Oh look, you and E! are stupid. Chiodos isn't/wasn't a punk band.
March 10, 2011 - 3:27pm Gilkana Molina Ribera
how about some PROOF pictures???
March 10, 2011 - 3:13pm Amy Robinson
Wow! She didn't waste any time. It seems the Simpson sisters can't function without a man in their lives. I just don't see how Ashlee was married long enough to really try to make it work.