Jennifer Lopez has apologized for performing at a birthday bash for Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the leader of the former Soviet bloc country Turkmenistan.
He has been widely criticized for oppressive rule by human rights organizations. Turkmenistan is described as “among the most repressive in the world.”
JLo’s publicist claims the request was made by the China National Petroleum Corporation. The rep acknowledged, “Had there been knowledge of human rights issues of any kind, Jennifer would not have attended.”
The singer earned $1.4 million to perform at the “private corporate event,” that included a last minute request to sing a rendition of “Happy Birthday, Mr. President,” a bit made famous by Marilyn Monroe in the early 60’s.
Thor Halvorssen, the president of the non-profit Human Rights Foundation, took this pot shot at the A-list entertainer, “She obviously has the right to earn a living by performing for the dictator of her choice and his circle of cronies.”
Check out ‘Happy Birthday, Mr. President’ below:
Photo Credit: WENN