J.Lo And Marc Anthony Sue Tabloid Over Heroin Claims

Today, American singer/actress, Jennifer Lopez is suing the tabloid newspaper, the 'National Enquirer' over a story that appeared in the UK and Irish editions of the paper.

The story published by the 'National Enquirer' claimed that J.Lo and her husband, Marc Anthony, were mixed up in a heroin scandal. The story in question was printed in the tabloid in March 12.

A lawyer representing the couple, Paul Tweed, is filing the suit in a number of European courts. These courts will be located in London, Dublin, Belfast and Paris. According to Tweed the law suit will pursue complete unquestioned detractions of the story, as well as a full apology from the 'National Enquirer's' head company, American Media Inc. J.Lo's lawyer also said that they would be requesting a payment of damages somewhere in the six-figure range.

The story discussed Michael Star, a photographer that was charged in the United States for a number of crimes including being in possession of heroin and child porn. The tabloid used a picture to go along with the article that showed Marc Anthony with Michael Star. The photo apparently was taken in 2004. The article tried to claim the Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony has been mixed up in the drug and porn scandal of Michael Star. The paper even went as far as to say that a 'friend' of J.Lo and Marc Anthony confirmed that Michael Star and J.Lo's husband were good friends.

When asked about the picture Tweed said that Michael Star and Marc Anthony were not even acquaintances. He said that the picture was taken in the backstage area of one of Marc Anthony's concerts. It was described as your standard fan type photo, nothing more.

The Associated Press spoke to J.Lo and Marc Anthony's lawyer, Paul Tweed. Tweed said, "The First Amendment restrictions in U.S libel law make it virtually impossible for international celebrities other high-profile individuals to sue successful. But with the advance of the Internet, and with U.S publications now extending their distribution network into Europe, they must subject themselves to libel laws in these jurisdictions.

According to one report the libel laws in the U.K. are much more celeb-friendly and will be more likely to support the couple in their case.

The high court in Belfast, Northern Ireland has already accepted the lawsuit against the 'National Enquirer'.

Paul Tweed is a lawyer that specialises in helping U.S celebrities file libel suits in the U.K and Ireland.

The Associated Press attempted to contact the 'National Enquirer' without success. They did manage to get in touch the parent company, AMI, but were only greeted with the statement, "It would be our policy to not comment on it at this time."

Sources
http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=4878e57c-242b-4d63-9c0e-71c31a2bc000
http://www.tmz.com/2007/04/16/j-lo-smacks-national-enquirer-over-heroin-story/
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/16/ap/entertainment/main2692182.shtml