Arts & Entertainment

Jennifer Lopez performs at Qatar Airlines event despite human rights concerns

pop star makes controversial appearance

Published

10 years ago

May 18, 2016

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot via YouTube)

Jennifer Lopez performed at a private gala on Tuesday in Atlanta, Ga. celebrating the opening of Qatar Airlines’ Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in June. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) President Sara Nelson penned an open letter to Lopez asking the singer not to perform due to Qatar’s stance on LGBT rights, women’s rights and workers’ rights.

LGBTQ Nation reports Nelson’s letter outlined the numerous problems human rights groups have with the airline, which is owned by the country of Qatar. It is illegal to be LGBT in the country, with punishment including imprisonment up to five years. Labor unions are also illegal and the airline, comprised of 83% women, must get permission to marry which can be denied. Pregnancy can also lead to termination.

In the letter, Nelson says after tweeting her concerns Qatar Airlines offered to have her host the Atlanta event. The president responded she would attend if they could find an openly gay Qatar Airline crew member to invite her, but there was no reply.

Fans urged Lopez, whose latest single “Ain’t Your Mama” preaches about women’s rights and equality, not to perform at the private gala using the hashtag #JLoSayNo. However, the pop star continued on with the performance.

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Sports

‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay

Games to take place next month in Italy

Published

8 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Staff reports

(Photo courtesy of Crave HBO Max)

“Heated Rivalry” stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will participate in the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics that will take place next month in Italy.

HBO Max, which distributes “Heated Rivalry” in the U.S., made the announcement on Thursday in a press release.

The games will take place in Milan and Cortina from Feb. 6-22. The HBO Max announcement did not specifically say when Williams and Storrie will participate in the torch relay.

Bars & Parties

Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans

Entertainers TrevHER and Grey host event with live performance

Published

10 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by New Africa/Bigstock)

Spark Social Events will host “Ru Paul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party Hosted by Local Drag Queens” on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.

Drag entertainers TrevHER and Grey will provide commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party will take place on a heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space.

This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Bars & Parties

‘Queer Eye’ watch party set for Friday

DC Center to host event

Published

10 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Members of the cast of 'Queer Eye' speak at an event at Crush Dance Bar in August. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Center is hosting a watch party for an episode of the 10th and final season of “Queer Eye,” which was filmed in D.C. The screening will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center.

The screening will last 45-55 minutes, with community time both before and after the episode. Drinks and snacks will be provided and organizers promise a “surprise or two.” For information on tickets, visit the DC Center’s website.