“It was our pleasure”: Jennifer Lopez Will Never be Forgiven for Performing for a Central Asian Dictator Before Two More Concerts in Russia
Despite being a globally renowned and one of the most popular pop stars and dancers, Jennifer Lopez was under fire as she performed for the leader of the world’s most repressive countries, before her concerts in Russia.
The On The Floor hitmaker earned immense criticism over her performance for Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the president of Turkmenistan. JLo contributed to the 56th birthday celebration of the president in 2013 and generated enough controversy. According to Human Rights activists, Berdymukhamedov is known for breaching rights, and despite this fact, the pop sensation sang some of her hit songs for his celebratory party.
Jennifer Lopez Was Under Fire Over Performing For The President of Turkmenistan
Jennifer Lopez has never failed to make her way into the headlines, and one of the notable headlines she made was back in 2013. The All I Have star received backlash and criticism over her performance at the 56th birthday celebration of the president of Turkmenistan, which is also considered “one of the world’s most repressive countries” (via Human Rights Watch). JLo sang some of her hit songs at the luxurious southern resort Avaza.
However, despite her massive fanbase and reputation in the entertainment industry, she wasn’t free from receiving negative comments and hate. According to The Guardian, the pop sensation concluded her performance on the stage by saying “It was our pleasure, and we wish you the very happiest birthday.” Lopez was slammed for ignoring the alarming details about the ruler and prioritizing the event.
The country has arrested numerous journalists and activists over the years for being vocal and truthful about the happening in the country. Human Rights Watch has listed various incidents indicating the brutal treatment activists receive after trying to go against the government and its rules.
Jennifer Lopez’s Representatives Claimed She Was Unaware of The Dictatorship
Also Read: What Did James Bond Actor Pierce Brosnan Do at Yellowstone Park That Might Land Him in Prison?
Following the controversy surrounding Jennifer Lopez shockingly performing for a dictator, her representatives provided a statement claiming that the Dance Again singer was completely unaware of the president’s actions and breach of Human Rights. The pop star was invited at the very last moment and without digging much into the leader’s reputation, Lopez agreed to perform.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, after the incident generated outrage, JLo’s representatives said:
“Jennifer Lopez and several other artists were invited and performed at a private corporate event for the China National Petroleum Corporation that was presented to their local executives in Turkmenistan.”
Opening up about the event and invitations to the singer and other artists, the reps. added:
“This was not a government sponsored event or political in nature. The event was vetted by her representatives, had there been knowledge of human right issues of any kind, Jennifer would not have attended.”
Jennifer Lopez has been considerate about every right, and had she known the true image, she wouldn’t have ever agreed to perform her hit songs for the leader. Currently, Lopez is all set to release her next album This is Me…Now which comes 20 years after its sister album This Me…Then.
