Hip-hop producers The Neptunes have denied an accusation they stole beats from an unknown producer for Jay-Z hit "N**** Please" - and have threatened legal action against the claims.

The acclaimed duo were astonished when amateur producer Joseph Zakoni levelled the accusation against them on hip-hop news website SOHH.com, and Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo immediately instructed their lawyers to take action.

In a stern letter to the website, lawyer Anne T. Amann writes, "You are hereby put on notice that these allegations, which you published without any verification from our clients as to their validity, are completely false and defamatory.

"The Neptunes vehemently deny that they used any of materials created or furnished by Mr. Zakoni or the other unidentified producer, and can readily prove that such claims are utterly groundless.

"Accordingly, we hereby demand that you cease and desist from further dissemination of such falsehoods, and that you forthwith publish a corrected article reporting that the Neptunes deny the claims as groundless.

"Please be advised our clients shall refer this matter for litigation should there be any further publication of such false claims."

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Copyright World Entertainment News Network 2003

 Clear Channel News Network

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The romance between megastars Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez appears to be back on - but neither one of them are keen to be spotted together.

The "Gigli" co-stars were enjoying a day out on Affleck's motorcycle, and J.Lo was wearing her pink diamond engagement ring again.

But the glamorous couple wouldn't let photographers snap them together by keeping their crash helmets firmly on - with Affleck even flashing his middle finger at the paparazzi.

A source tells British newspaper The Sun, "They didn't want their faces to seen and so they hid behind the visors of the helmets.

"But Jen was all to happy to show off the ring while she clung onto Ben. Clearly the wedding is back on."

Copyright World Entertainment News Network 2003

 Clear Channel News Network

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Pop singer Britney Spears has parted company with her publicist Dan Klores.

Klores, who also represents megastar Jennifer Lopez, resigned from the "Boys" singer's employ after she put his relationships with other clients in danger, according to Page Six.

A source tells Page Six, "Dan had made a deal for Britney with (NBC head) Jeff Zucker for her to go on NBC. She cancelled it and went to ABC.

"Then Britney was supposed to be on the Esquire cover exclusively - and she appeared on three other magazines' covers. (Esquire editor) David Granger was furious. It was crazy."

Klores confirmed he no longer represented Spears, but declined further comment.

Photo Copyright Getty Images

Copyright World Entertainment News Network 2003

 Clear Channel News Network

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