Feb 11
On the JLo? Jennifer Lopez Gets Backlash for Big Paycheck to Open Hotel in Anti-Gay Dubai
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Jennifer Lopez has reportedly pocketed a cool £5 million for being the guest of honor at a hotel opening in anti-gay Dubai, reports the British tabloid The Sun.
It was an appearance that caused some confusion for JLo's entourage. Earlier in the day a spokesperson for Lopez from her U.S. public relations company told the Star she would not be performing. While no reason was given as to why she was not going to perform, could it be that the LGBTQ+ rights advocate was made aware that Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates, which has strict laws against homosexuality?
"Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates, which has strict laws against homosexuality," reports The Star.
But contrary to the report yet that night she singer hosted a bash at the One&Only One Za'abeel wearing an elaborate black gown. She entertained the crowd by "Get Right."
"It's very sad that a long-time LGBTQ ally like Jennifer Lopez is ¬prepared to put money before human rights," gay rights activist Peter Tatchell told The Star.
"Her performance will collude with the regime's homophobia, misogyny and generalised abuse of human rights - that's not the kind of thing Jennifer Lopez supports. She shouldn't be going.
"The Dubai regime is using her to project a more liberal image. It's a cynical exercise and it's shameful that she is going along with it."
The Daily Mail adds that on her Instagram Stories, "Jennifer posted a clip from the star-studded shindig, where she wowed onstage in a dazzling purple jumpsuit and performed alongside Mark Ronson for a crowd that included Vanessa Hudgens and Idris Elba."
Lopez has long presented herself as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. The Star reports that in 2014 she received the Vanguard Award - a gong from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation - for her advocacy of gay rights.
"During Pride 2017, Billboard magazine asked pop culture stars to write "love letters" to the LGBTQ community. J- Lo used the opportunity to speak about her late gay aunt, Myrza," the Star continues.
"She recalled growing up and wanting to be just like her, not knowing what struggles she was going through as a gay woman at the time."
And the Daily Mail adds that 'n 2019, "when administrators prohibited gay teen Nat Werth from delivering a valedictorian speech at his graduation upon learning he intended to address his sexuality, she extended an invitation for him to attend one of her shows in Milwaukee."
