JENNIFER LOPEZ is a gay icon for many, having picked up several gongs over the years for her LGBTQ rights activism.
But the US superstar caused uproar last night when she pocketed a rumoured £5million to be the guest of honour at the launch of a five-star hotel in anti-gay Dubai.
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Wearing an elaborate black gown, the singer hosted a bash at the One&Only One Za’abeel.
A spokeswoman for Jennifer, from her US PR company, told me earlier in the day that she would not be performing at the party yet hours later she took to the stage to sing Get Right.
Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates, which has strict laws against homosexuality.
Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell told me: “It’s very sad that a long-time LGBTQ ally like Jennifer Lopez is prepared to put money before human rights.
“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.
Free-flowing bubbles
“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.”
Actors Vanessa Hudgens and Idris Elba also attended the glamorous soiree.
Guests were given free Charlotte Tilbury make-up to get glammed up, and free-flowing bubbles and meals throughout the weekend.
It seems money has clouded J-Lo’s memory, as 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.
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.
Jennifer Lopez is sizzling hot in shower scene in music video Can’t Get Enough
And in 2019 when gay teen Nat Werth was banned from giving a valedictorian speech at his graduation after administrators found out he was going to address his sexuality, she invited him to one of her shows in Milwaukee.
In 2013, she was honoured by the American LGBTQ advocacy group, the Human Rights Campaign, with its Ally for Equality Award.
For years she has supported equal marriage, tweeting in 2014: “Congratulations England and Wales. Gay marriage is legal today.”
Last year Beyonce came under fire when she banked £19million to perform at the opening of Dubai hotel, Atlantis The Royal, disappointing her LGBTQ fans.
When will these divas learn?
CAUGHT LIVE
★★★★★
SEX And The City creator Candace Bushnell’s one-woman show had the female-strong audience cackling at her audacious memories of New York.
As well as shocking stories of threesomes, drugs, orgies, depression and heartbreak, the feisty blonde, left, had a strong message to deliver: After success and men, friendships remain.
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And as all her mates are getting divorced, Candace is enjoying a social renaissance, too. Watch out, lads.
EMILY RATAJKOWSKI painted the town red as she stepped out in New York City on Friday night.
The model looked runway ready in a mini scarlet dress and strappy black heels for the launch of a new lip collection by cosmetics brand, Hourglass, at celeb haunt The Mulberry.
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Her latest appearance comes after the American star had a subtle dig at her exes – including actor Sebastian Bear-McClard – in a TikTok lip-sync, captioned: “Something only the gals will understand.”
In it, she says: “Yeah they only dated you because you dated me.”
I’m sure many guys would count themselves lucky to call Em their ex.
USHER RIDERS GET HIM IN DRIP-TOP SHAPE
USHER has given orders to make sure his backstage area caters to his every need.
I can reveal that the R&B legend has two riders – one for him and another to make sure his team are looked after.
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He has asked for a vitamin D drip, sugar-free snacks, steamed vegetables and games consoles in his dressing room.
A source added: “Usher wants to be on top form so the vitamin D drip will be used to boost his energy.
“He has also ordered that fizzy drinks and snacks, which are high in sodium, are off the menu to avoid facial puffiness and spikes in his blood pressure.
“Instead he has requested for a special tea to be provided in his dressing room to clear his throat before the show.
“Games consoles have been fitted in all of his rooms and they have set up another room he can use to pray.”
Meanwhile, his team have requested Popeyes chicken, West African chicken with suya, sugar-free soda, a chocolate fountain and charcuterie boards.
Hopefully they don’t get indigestion . . .
Gio hopes for a last waltz
GIOVANNI PERNICE has revealed that he would like to do one last year on Strictly Come Dancing.
The Italian pro said he usually hears from producers at the end of February about the hit dance show, which returns in September.
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Gio, who was speaking on BBC South East Today, first appeared on Strictly in 2015 and was paired with Corrie actress Georgia May Foote.
He won the show with EastEnders’ Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 – but his last celeb partner Amanda Abbington clashed with him and quit, citing medical reasons.
A source has revealed the Sherlock actress has since been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Giovanni made a statement last month on Instagram, which read: “I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has sent messages of support.”
REUBEN DIGS INTO SERIES
IT seems showbiz runs in the family for The Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen as I can reveal her son has been handed a spin-off show of his own.
Channel 5 will launch Reuben Owen: My Yorkshire Life later this year starring her tractor-riding son.
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A source reveals: “This new series will follow Reuben’s digger business out on the road. There will be lots of jeopardy as he visits clients in bad weather dealing with machinery in the snow and mud.”
It comes after Amanda, who split from Reuben’s dad Clive in 2022, was rumoured to have had an affair.
HE has earned an army of fans on the reboot of Gladiators, but I can reveal that strongman Nitro, Aka Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, is starring on Celebrity MasterChef.
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The hunk will be competing on the BBC One show alongside Steps singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins, Radio 1Xtra’s Snoochie Shy, presenter Edith Bowman and TV stars Charlotte Crosby and Danielle Harold.
A source said: “Nitro will be the first Gladiator on the show and he is expected to be rustling up lots of healthy dishes.” Yum . . .
