"He has hired two off-duty police officers, in addition to her usual security team, to watch over Lopez whenever she makes public appearances," the friend told the newspaper.

The star’s spokeswoman, however, says that the friend’s claims are "untrue", adding that Jennifer "has had the same security team she has always had".

A spokesperson for animal rights group PETA, which is not linked to the alleged threats, told the newspaper: "All violence is wrong. But J-Lo needs to stop the real violence she promotes and subsidises rather than give herself extra protection she doesn’t need."

J-Lo sues over drugs scandal allegations - April 18 2008
Jennifer Lopez launched a libel action over allegations she was involved in a drugs scandal.

Her Belfast solicitor confirmed the first in a series of writs has been served on US tabloid the National Enquirer on behalf of the Hollywood actress and husband Marc Anthony.

Defamation proceedings were taken against the paper’s New York-based publishers American Media Inc, along with distributors Eason & Son Ltd in Dublin and John Menzies Plc in Edinburgh.

The star is understood to be seeking six-figure damages.

Her lawyer, Paul Tweed, has established a reputation for representing US celebrities who take civil actions in the European courts.

With American libel laws perceived to make it tougher for them to sue domestically, many have gone after titles who publish internationally.

Mr Tweed has already represented Britney Spears, Liam Neeson and Van Morrison.

He was granted leave at the Northern Ireland High Court to file the first in a series of lawsuits on behalf of Jennifer.

Although the papers served in Belfast limited her claim to damages within the jurisdiction of Northern Ireland, similar actions are expected to be taken in London, Dublin and Paris.

J-Lo is seeking damages over an article published by the National Enquirer last month entitled Jennifer & Marc Caught Up In Heroin Scandal.

The lawyer has stressed that Jennifer and her husband took grave exception to the totally false and unfounded inferences that they had been involved in, associated with or had knowledge of a serious drug scandal as alleged.

He added: "This story is totally false and unfounded."

J-Lo makes quip about ’Scientology’ - April 16 2007
Jennifer Lopez raised eyebrows during her appearance on American Idol this week, after apparently slipping in to Scientology-speak during a critique, fuelling speculation that she may be flirting with the controversial faith.

When host Ryan Seacrest asked for J-Lo’s thought’s on the judges comments, she replied cryptically, "concentrating on the rightness brings more rightness."

The term "rightness" is known to be a buzzword that was often used by Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard, who wrote manifestos on topics including Rightness and Wrongness and Recognition Of Rightness Of The Being.

Jen also recently revealed that although she was raised Catholic, her father David Lopez "has been a Scientologist for 20 years".

"It’s weird people want to paint it in a negative way," she added, apparently warming to the faith after spending an increasing amount of time with notable Scientologists Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in recent months.

J-Lo, whose new Spanish-language album, Como Ama Una Mujer, is enjoying a second week at number 1 on the Latin billboard chart, also silenced US reports that her marriage is in trouble by turning up at Hollywood hotspot Social with hubby Marc Anthony to celebrate her American Idol appearance.