Jessica Simpson's pal Ken Paves survives pap attack

I know you've all been pretty worried, but you can relax.

Jessica Simpson's mane man Ken Paves is doing fine, thanks very much, after being clobbered in the head by a paparazzi camera.

The incident occurred after a dinner at Madeo on Beverly Boulevard on Saturday night. Paves was rushed to Cedars-Sinai, where he got nine stitches to close up the gushing head wound.

"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," Paves' just-released statement says.

When paps swarmed Simpson, Paves tried to help her to their car when a cameraman hit his face.

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

So simmer down, paps. You're just lucky Paves isn't a lawsuit kind of guy!

Shouldn't Jess spring for a real bodyguard? Right?

Photo: Ken and Jessica dance up a storm in 2007. It's dangerous being close to celebrities! Credit: WireImage