Jennifer Lopez faces backlash after 'pocketing $5M to be guest of honor' at hotel launch in 'anti-gay' Dubai after she performed in front of star-studded crowd: 'It's shameful'
Jennifer Lopez is facing backlash after reportedly being paid to attend and perform at a hotel launch in ‘anti-gay’ Dubai on Saturday.
The 54-year-old superstar – long considered an ally to the LGBTQ+ community – caused a stir after she ‘pocketed $5 million’ for her presence at the launch of the One&Only One Za’abeel hotel, according to The Sun.
The luxury hotel is located in the United Arab Emirates, which has strict laws against homosexuality, with consensual same-sex sexual activity punishable by imprisonment.
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.
‘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 Tatche told the outlet.
Jennifer Lopez is facing backlash after reportedly being paid to attend and perform at a hotel launch in ‘anti-gay’ Dubai on Saturday
The 54-year-old superstar – long considered an ally to the LGBTQ + community – caused a stir after she ‘pocketed $5 million’ for her presence at the launch of the One&Only One Za’abeel hotel, according to The Sun
‘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.’
He went on to claim that 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.’
Ahead of the mini-concert, JLo arrived at the Aelia restaurant at the One Za’abeel urban resort in a black satin dress by Giambattista Valli.
She was joined by other such lumiinaries as Jessica Debruyne, boxer Ramla Ali, Georgia Coleridge, and Chanel Ayan.
Following their appearance on the red carpet, celebrities congregated at a private event in the sky hosted at The Link, Dubai’s recently established lifestyle destination suspended 100 meters above ground.skyline.
The backlash doesn’t appear to line up with JLo’s reputation as a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.
In 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.
The Dubai hotel is located in the United Arab Emirates, which has strict laws against homosexuality, with consensual same-sex sexual activity punishable by imprisonment
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
‘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 Tatche told the outlet
The backlash doesn’t appear to line up with JLo’s reputation as a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights
Lopez blows a kiss to the audience after receiving the Ally for Equality Award at 2013 at the Human Rights Campaign’s 17th National Dinner in Washington on October 5, 2013
In 2014, she was honored with the Vanguard Award by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) for her dedicated advocacy of gay rights.
That same year, she expressed her support in a tweet that celebrated the legalization of gay marriage.
‘Congratulations England and Wales. Gay marriage is legal today,’ she wrote.
This isn’t the first time Jennifer has performed in Dubai.
Back in March 2024, the songstress held an epic concert there during the Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecourse.
‘Thank you Dubai for an amazing night #Meydan #DWC14,’ she tweeted after the show.