BEIJING, Nov. 4 -- Jessica Simpson rushed to hospital early on Sunday morning after her best friend was injured by paparazzi.

Actress Jessica Simpson watches a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles while wearing a Cowboys Tony Romo jersey during first half NFL football action in Irving, Texas Dec. 16, 2007.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>>

The "Come On Over" singer accompanied hairdresser Ken Paves to Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai hospital after he was hit in the face by a photographer's camera following dinner at the city's Madeo restaurant.

Ken was attempting to shield Jessica, 28, from the hoards of paparazzi outside the eatery when he was accidentally struck, causing blood to start trickling down his face.

An onlooker said: "There were so many paparazzi waiting for Jessica and trying to get a picture of her that they all started pushing. Jessica was ducking down and Ken and her other male friend were trying to cover her and that's when Ken was hit in the face with a camera."

It was claimed Ken had stitches for the cut.

When Jessica, Ken and the male friend finally made to their car, the singer's driver took the party straight to the medical centre.

No police reports have yet been filed on the incident.

The accident came after Jessica had spent Saturday at the Hotel Bel-Air, celebrating her younger sister Ashlee's baby shower.

(Source: chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies)