Jennifer Lopez - Fiat Rep Defends Jennifer Lopez Over Bronx Body-double

Bosses of car giant Fiat have jumped to the defence of Jennifer Lopez after she was criticised for not heading home to The Bronx to film scenes for the company's New York-based advert.

The Jenny from the Block singer is the new celebrity spokesperson for the car manufacturer, and stars in a 60-second commercial which purportedly shows her driving through the gritty streets of her old New York neighbourhood in a brand new Fiat 500.

In the ad, she refers to her roots, saying, "Here, this is my world. This place inspires me to be. To be tougher. To stay sharper. To think faster. They may be just streets to you, but to me they're a playground."

However, the star came under fire from online gossips after it was revealed a body-double was hired to play Lopez in her hometown scenes.

Now a spokesperson for the Italian company has insisted Lopez did not need to be in the area to be inspired by it.

Spokesperson Dianna Gutierrez says, "The commercial tells the story of how the simple elements of our upbringing can help explain who we are, where we're going and serve as a source of inspiration to achieve our goals in life. One does not need to be in a specific location to be inspired or continue to be inspired."