Carey on, but from a distance

Mariah Carey banned fans from hugging her at the New York launch of her new perfume M. The pop diva’s most devoted supporters paid $300 for “VIP access” which allowed them to pose for a personal photograph with Mariah - as long as they didn’t get too close to the singer, at the fragrance launch at Macy’s department store in New York on Tuesday afternoon. One source said: “Mimi wouldn’t let her male admirers put their arms around her waist during picture time and absolutely no hugs.“One young guy tried to get too close and was quickly shown the exit.”The crowds gathered outside the store to catch a glimpse of Mariah, who arrived in a Rolls Royce, were so huge that a heavy police presence was drafted in to hold them back.Around 200 fans were allowed into the store to pay $130 for a bottle of marshmallow scented M in the ‘Hero’ singer’s presence, while 75 forked out the extra money for VIP access.The Grammy Award-winning singer was seen politely speaking to two female fans who were proudly showing off elaborate M tattoos on their wrists, which they had gotdone in tribute to Mariah.Carey was approached by Elizabeth Arden about a fragrance. ‘M’, which is sold in a purple bottle with Carey’s signature butterfly icon on top, is described by the singer as “light, sensual and memorable”.