The animator lost his battle with colon cancer on 8 March (15) and friends and family, including Simon's ex-wife, actress Jennifer Tilly, and veteran game show host Bob Barker, gathered for a private funeral service at the weekend.

Anderson paid tribute to her friend and fellow animal rights activist Simon in a touching eulogy at the ceremony, and later took to her website after the event, telling fans, "It was a lovely service, full of laughter and tears."

Liar Liar star Tilly reached out to Anderson via Twitter after the memorial, writing, "Thank you #PamAnderson for your beautiful speech at the funeral. Sam would have loved it! #RIPSamSimon".

The former Baywatch beauty's appearance at the service occurred hours after reports surfaced online, suggesting Anderson had been banned from attending the funeral by Simon's family members, who were allegedly upset to learn she had reportedly accepted an $800,000 (£500,000) ring from the animator before his death.

Simon's girlfriend Kate Porter subsequently dismissed the rumours on Twitter, writing, "It's not a true story. Whoever did this (spread the rumours) should be ashamed of themselves. Very upsetting to all of us!"