Lopez apologizes after TRNC gig controversy

After canceling a planned concert at a Turkish Cypriot hotel, Jennifer Lopez has apologized to disappointed fans, saying she had no intention of getting involved in politics. The Latino singer and actress was due to mark her 41st birthday with a gig at the $220 million Cratos Premium Hotel and Casino in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). But she pulled out of the show after angry Greek Cypriots launched a protest campaign, collecting tens of thousands of signatures on a Facebook page. Announcing the decision to cancel the appearance, a statement on Lopez's official website read that the singer "would never knowingly support any state, country, institution or regime that was associated with any form of human rights abuse." "After a full review of the relevant circumstances in (sic) Cyprus, it was the decision of her advisers to withdraw from the appearance," the statement read. The statement, which angered many in Turkey and in the TRNC, was later removed from Lopez's website. And on Monday, Lopez released a message on the website, distancing herself from the earlier statement and saying she was sorry. "This whole situation makes me so sad. The statement that was issued by my representatives was done without my knowledge or consent. It is my personal policy not to comment on political issues between countries. I love my fans all over the world," she said. "I want to sincerely apologize if anyone was hurt or offended in any way. Again, I am truly sorry," she added. Lopez's website has been flooded by messages from Turks expressing disappointment and anger at her decision to cancel the TRNC show and from Greeks praising her.