Ken Paves and Jessica Simpson arrive to the Frederick's of Hollywood 2008 Spring Collection Fashion Show To Benefit Clothes off our Back on October 24, 2007 in Hollywood, California.
Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com

CelebNews@Usmagazine.com! - Jessica Simpson's Injured Pal: "I Am Fine" -- After Nine Stitches

Celeb hairstylist Ken Paves says he is healing up days after a photographer struck him in the face with a camera.

"I appreciate everyone who has expressed concern after the incident which occurred outside of Madeo restaurant [in L.A.] Saturday evening," he tells Usmagazine.com in a statement.

"While I did not expect a dinner out with friends would end up with me in the emergency room and nine stitches in my head, I am fine," he adds.

Paves was hit, apparently by accident, over the weekend while trying to protect Jessica Simpson from photographers. She later rushed him to L.A.'s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

See photos of Ken Paves' best tressed beauties.

"My only real concern on Saturday night, and it remains so in retrospect, was for the safety of my friend and all concerned," says Paves.

He adds, "I understand everyone has a job to do, including paparazzi. If I were to say anything about Saturday night, it is only to encourage that everyone would respect and care for the safety of others above all else.”

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