Joe Francis Coaching Abbey Wilson to Back Him Up Against Jayde Nicole

Joe Francis is standing by his story about his brawl with Brody Jenner and Jayde Nicole - and allegedly making sure the key witness is on the same page.

This according to a text from Joe to Abbey obtained by TMZ.

The text from Francis to Wilson, whose conversation triggered the nightclub melee in which Joe beat up Jayde (says she), was sent August 28 at 1:11 p.m.

The fight happened the previous night. Joe Francis wrote the text to make sure Wilson backs up his story that he didn't assault anyone and Brody's lying:

"Your statement is the truth. That jade [sic] threw a drink on me when I was talking to you and I reached around to tap on her shoulder to see who it was."

"Brody then grabed [sic] my shirt and ripped it partialy [sic] off. I curled up in a ball and covered my face. Joe never touched anyone!!! Most important!!!"

What a sleaze. Not that you would expect anything less.

Abbey Wilson used to date Joe Francis. Her self-esteem must be real high.

Francis' rep responded to the Abbey story as such:

"Abbey Wilson, Joe Francis' ex-girlfriend that he lived with for almost a year, has a little problem telling the whole truth ... Abbey conveniently omitted the last part of that text message which puts everything in context."

"The text reads: 'Also remember jade [sic] hit you the last time, don't lie for them.' Joe would never coach a witness but simply wanted Ms. Wilson to tell the truth about the incident and put aside her vendetta towards Joe."

Said vendetta against Joe Francis is apparently related to him breaking up with her and asking her to move out of his home. But no matter. The rep added:

"Joe is sick of this whole thing and just wishes his ex-girlfriend would just leave him alone, go back to Oklahoma and quit trying to make herself famous."

This "rep" is probably Joe himself. He can never resist getting in the last dig. Which is probably why he ended up getting his ass kicked by Brody Jenner.