The problem? Berdimuhamedov has been widely criticized for his oppressive rule by human rights organizations and the country of Turkmenistan is considered by Human Rights Watch to be "one of the world's most repressive countries."

Lopez's representatives issued a statement saying that the event was vetted but, "had there been knowledge of human rights issues any kind, Jennifer would not have attended." The representative went on to say that the request for the birthday song was made at the last minute by China National Petroleum Corp., which paid for and put on the event. Lopez, in the words of her representative, "graciously obliged."