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A French artist who painted a risque portrait of Susan Boyle has received death threats.

Laetitia Guibaud, 24, a Glasgow-based artist painted Susan in sexy pink underwear smoking a cigar with a champagne glass in hand. There was a sexy "S" tatoo on her right thigh.

No surprise says I that death threats have been made.

I have been writing for some time that Susan Boyle has set off a wave of emotion like none I have ever seen among ordinary people.

The original You Tube video got viewed 200 million times - no-one else in the universe even comes close.

She has struck a deep chord and one that continues to resonate - especially with those who see her representing something they understand and deeply feel - how an underdog with very little going for her could triumph.

Obviously some of her supporters are taking that to extremes and will allow no false witness against her.

Now Laetitia Guibaud is reporting that thousands of e mails have flooded her computer, many with threats against her.

She says "When I read the first mails I was very scared.Some were threatening me. About 200 were sick. They came from Texas."

Another post read: "Susan is an angel. She would never behave in this way. Guilbaud should look to God and pray there is no retribution."

The artist says she was stunned by the reaction. "My artwork was never intended to insult or be hurtful. I am a fan of Susan."

Interesting to note that a bid of £1500 sterling -- about $3,000 has been made for the painting, which will be unveiled at ArtDeCaf in Glasgow this month.

I believe in the First Amendment and in her Guibaud's ight to paint Susan however she sees fit. I also believe in the right of people who are upset to criticize her for the painting and its clearly exploitative nature.

But making any kind of threat is just plain wrong --and hurts Susan Boyle's reputation more than anyone. So calm down fans.