Jennifer Lopez sang “Happy Birthday” to oppressive dictator Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow in Turkmenistan over the weekend. Little did JLO know the controversy she started with her rumored $1.5 million paid performance.
According to CNBC, China National Petroleum Corporation—parent of listed subsidiary Petro China—reportedly requested Lopez sing “Happy Birthday” to Turkmen President Berdimuhamedov during a concert in the former Soviet Republic. The President has been widely criticized for human rights violations. CNBC also states that according to Transparency International, only 6 countries in the world are more corrupt than Turkmenistan.
Lopez’s publicist says the event was researched by Lopez’s staff: “Had there been knowledge of human rights issues any kind, Jennifer would not have attended.” They also stated the last-minute request was made by China National Petroleum Corp. to Lopez and she “graciously obliged.”
Thor Halvorssen of the Human Rights Foundation told the Hollywood Reporter: “Lopez obviously has the right to earn a living performing for the dictator of her choice and his circle of cronies. But her actions utterly destroy the carefully crafted message she has cultivated with her prior involvement with Amnesty International’s programs in Mexico aimed at curbing violence against women.”
