London, Nov 27(ANI): Late Opera star Luciano Pavarotti's widow Nicoletta Mantovani has sued two of the star's friends for defamation.

The move came weeks after Ms Mantovani, 37, attacked the Italian media for reporting "unseemly gossip" about her marriage to the tenor.

Mantovani's lawyer Anna Maria Bernini said that since the comments did not cease, Mantovani was left with no other choice but to file a case.

"Since the comments did not cease - and were, in fact, reiterated - Mantovani had no choice but to file the lawsuit," BBC quoted the lawyer, as telling.

"Ms Mantovani is seeking 15 million euros (10.7m pounds) in damages from each, and intends to donate any award to charity," Ms Benini added.

Pavarotti had one child, Alice, with Ms Mantovani, who was his second wife.

Ms Mantovani has denied that she was squabbling with Pavarotti's three adult daughters over his will where the performer left half of his estate to the former personal assistant and half to his four daughters.

Speaking to Italy's RAI state TV in October, Ms Mantovani said she wanted to leave her daughter with solid evidence she had defended herself and Pavarotti from press gossip.

"I'm here and can defend myself. But Luciano can't, and Alice is a four-year-old child," BBC quoted her as telling to Italy's RAI state TV in October.

The singer died at his home in Modena, northern Italy, having being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006. (ANI)