LOS ANGELES (AP) — Singer Celine Dion has sued the National Enquirer for $20 million, alleging it said she was pregnant with twins while knowing the story was false.

Claims in the suit, filed Monday in Superior Court, include false light invasion of privacy, unfair business practices and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Citing "a source who knows Celine," the Enquirer's Feb. 1 story on the pop singer said she was "overjoyed her greatest dream has come true." Its cover sported a photo of Dion with the headline: "Celine — I'm pregnant with twins!"

"The story is absolutely false," said Martin Singer, her lawyer. He said no one had attempted to verify the story with Dion or her publicist before it appeared.

Singer said the report caused Dion "significant emotional distress" because it was believed by the public as well as her friends and relatives.

He read a statement by Dion in which she told of being repeatedly congratulated on the reported pregnancy.

"I only wish it was true, and I hope and pray that some day it will be," she said.

Calls placed after business hours to the Enquirer's offices were not immediately returned.

In 1998, Dion sued a French tabloid for violation of privacy after it printed an article suggesting she was unable to have a child.

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