Jennifer Lopez under fire for accepting $5M to attend hotel opening in controversial Dubai, sparking criticism for ‘anti-gay’ stance in wake of star-studded performance: Critics label move ‘disgraceful’

Jennifer Lopez is currently facing criticism for reportedly receiving compensation to participate in and entertain at a hotel event in ‘anti-gay’ Dubai over the weekend. Known for her support of the LGBTQ+ community, the 54-year-old singer supposedly earned $5 million for attending the launch of the One&Only One Za’abeel hotel, causing controversy due to Dubai’s strict laws against homosexuality. Despite this backlash, Jennifer shared moments from the event on her Instagram Stories, showcasing her performance in a stunning purple outfit alongside Mark Ronson, with attendees including Vanessa Hudgens and Idris Elba. Gay rights activist Peter Tatche expressed disappointment in Lopez’s decision to prioritize financial gain over human rights, given her history as an LGBTQ ally.

Jennifer Lopez is facing backlash after reportedly being paid to attend and perform at a hotel launch in 'anti-gay' Dubai on Saturday

Jennifer Lopez is receiving criticism for her appearance and performance at a hotel launch in Dubai, which has been described as ‘anti-gay’.

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 famous 54-year-old celebrity, well-known for being a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, raised eyebrows when it was reported that she received a whopping $5 million for attending the grand opening of the One&Only One Za’abeel hotel, as per The Sun.

He expressed concern that Jennifer Lopez’s performance in Dubai would appear to condone the oppressive beliefs and practices of the regime, which include homophobia, misogyny, and human rights abuses. He criticized the regime for using her to create a facade of liberalism and accused her of participating in a cynical and shameful exercise. Despite the backlash, JLo attended a private event at The Link in Dubai after arriving at the Aelia restaurant in a stunning black dress. Among the attendees were other well-known figures like Jessica Debruyne, boxer Ramla Ali, Georgia Coleridge, and Chanel Ayan. The criticism seems at odds with JLo’s reputation as a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, as evidenced by her previous gesture of inviting a gay teen who was banned from giving a speech at his graduation 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

The hotel in Dubai is situated in the United Arab Emirates, where there are strict regulations against homosexuality. Engaging in consensual same-sex sexual activities can result in imprisonment due to the country’s laws.

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

Jennifer shared a video on her Instagram Stories from the glamorous party she attended. She looked stunning in a sparkling purple jumpsuit as she took the stage with Mark Ronson. The audience at the event included famous faces like 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

“It’s truly disheartening to see someone who has been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community for so long, like Jennifer Lopez, prioritize financial gain over basic human rights,” expressed Peter Tatchell, a passionate advocate for gay rights.

The songstress looked sensational in a dazzling halterneck jumpsuit

The singer looked absolutely stunning in the eye-catching halterneck jumpsuit, setting the stage on fire with her impeccable style.

She put on an incredible show for fans

She delivered an amazing performance that left her fans in awe.

Lopez showed off her sparkling outfit on her Instagram

Lopez dazzled her followers with her shimmering ensemble on Instagram.

The backlash doesn't appear to line up with JLo's reputation as a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights

The criticism being directed towards JLo doesn’t seem to match her known stance as an ally for the LGBTQ+ community.

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

Lopez sent some love to the crowd with a kiss as he accepted the Ally for Equality Award at the Human Rights Campaign’s 17th National Dinner in Washington on October 5, 2013.

Elsewhere Naomi Campbell posed in a glittering black gown on the red carpet of the event

Naomi Campbell was spotted looking stunning in a shimmering black dress as she made her entrance on the red carpet at the event.

Vanessa Hudgens put on a leggy display in a red ruffled gown

Vanessa Hudgens showcased her stunning legs in a flowing red dress adorned with ruffles.

The actress turned heads in the eye catching plunging number which she teamed with towering beige heels

The actress caught everyone’s attention in a stunning dress with a plunging neckline, paired perfectly with sky-high beige heels.

The Spring Breakers star posed with British tennis player Emma Raducanu

The actor from Spring Breakers was seen taking a photo with British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu.

Emma looked stunning in a white lace dress which boasted a patterned blue skirt

The athlete elevated her frame in a pair of black pointed toe heels

Emma was absolutely gorgeous in a white lace dress with a beautifully patterned blue skirt that really made her stand out.

In 2014, she received the Vanguard Award from GLAAD for her unwavering support of LGBTQ rights. That year, she also took to Twitter to show her excitement over the legalization of same-sex marriage in England and Wales. She has made appearances in Dubai before, including a memorable concert during the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse in March 2014. After the show, she expressed her gratitude with a tweet saying, “Thank you Dubai for an incredible night #Meydan #DWC14.”

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