J. Lo Faces Lawsuit from Cratos Premium Hotel & Casino

Jennifer Lopez, who also goes by J. Lo, has been threatened with a US$40 million (£27 million) lawsuit by Cratos Premium Hotel & Casino, a hotel in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus. This comes after the singer was criticized by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, which is US-based, that her performance would support an illegal entity that only Turkey recognizes.

Lopez decided to cancel the performance after the complex announced that she would appear for her 41st birthday and due to the criticism that it would make a political statement. Her representative says that J. Lo would never knowingly support a political body for a state, country, institution or regime that is associated with abusing human rights. After further review of the circumstances in Cyprus, the singer’s management has decided that canceling the appearance will be best, the rep continued, adding that this reflects how sensitive they are to political realities in the region.

Despite the reasons for the cancellation, the Turkish company that owns the hotel and casino complex isn’t backing down. Murat Bozoglu, the chief executive, says that Lopez can still change her mind in favor of the performance on July 24, as the contract hasn’t been terminated. However, if she doesn’t show up, they will begin legal proceedings for damages of US$35-40 million. The cancellation isn’t covered in the contract, he added.

Cyprus has been divided into north and south since 1974, when Turkey occupied the north due to a coup that aimed to unite the island with Greece. Turkey is the only country to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which maintains troops there. However, Greek Cypriot is internationally recognized.