CAREY'S SORE FEET FORCE HER TO EXPLAIN DIVA ANTICS

MARIAH CAREY had to be carried around the set of her new video SHAKE IT OFF because she couldn't walk in the high-heeled shoes she chose for the shoot.

But keen to dispel reports that her refusal to walk around was a further example of her bid to become a top pop diva, Carey told a TV crew covering the promo that she was in agony - and then insisted her make-up artist made it clear that the fancy shoes had left her feet bleeding.

She complained, "I can't walk in these shoes and it's not because I'm being a diva... Laugh all you want, my feet hurt."

Caring director JAKE NAVA immediately called for a pair of comfortable slippers, so his star could rest her weary feet - but that failed to impress Carey because she can't wear flat shoes.

She explained, "My feet repel them."

But British video director Nava still insisted working with Carey was a treat.

He says, "She arrived on the set early and we worked well together. She's so not a diva really."