J.Lo has apologised for singing “Happy Birthday” to a controversial political leader.
The singer sang the birthday celebration song as a last-minute request during a show at Avaza near the city of Turkmenbashi in Turkmenistan on Saturday night, Digital Spy reports.
She sang to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the leader of Turkmenistan, who has been accused of oppressive human rights violations by organisations such as Human Rights Watch.
J.Lo recently accepted her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The singer wept as she accepted the accolade…
Lopez’s spokesperson has since released a statement, saying: “Had there been knowledge of human rights issues any kind, Jennifer would not have attended.”
The singer’s publicist added that the event was hosted by the China National Petroleum Corporation, which does business in the country, and was not a political event.
The publicist did not disclose how much Lopez was paid for the performance.
J.Lo is not scheduled to make any more performances in the country.
