Lopez Says She Isn't All Diva

February 19, 2001 -- When you're at the top of both the music and the movie worlds, your fame precedes you. By the time singer-actress Jennifer Lopez reached Hong Kong on a promotional stop for her new album, J.Lo, she decided to address some persistent rumors about her diva-like behavior.

First of all, Lopez says she has not insured her body for $1 billion. "No, and I know that was a big rumor," the Latina star told reporters. "I actually saved the newspaper [reports] to show my kids one day, but it's not true. Sorry," she added, giggling.

Still, reports of her extensive backstage demands have some basis in fact, though Lopez adds, "Things tend to be exaggerated a lot."

Asked to comment on her alleged demands — which, according to various reports, include numerous burning candles, an expensive fragrance sprayed in Lopez's path, a fan blowing her hair just so, and accommodations for a posse of more than 50 people — Lopez said, "The girl next door has grown."

However, Lopez refused to discuss her latest ex-boyfriend, rapper-record-mogul Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs.

Combs is on trial in New York on charges of gun possession and bribery in connection with a December 1999 nightclub fracas in which three people were shot. Lopez, who was with Combs on the night of the shooting, was not called by the prosecution, but she is listed as a possible witness for the defense.

On Valentine's Day, Combs acknowledged that the two had ended their highly public relationship.

Early this month, Lopez's second musical release debuted at No. 1 on the pop charts in the United States, Canada, and Germany. Meanwhile, her new movie, The Wedding Planner, held the top spot on domestic box-office charts until being knocked off last week by the thriller Hannibal.

Lopez arrived in Hong Kong Sunday, and is due to leave for Australia Tuesday.

Reuters contributed to this report.