The US singer and actress Jennifer Lopez may potentially face a $40 million (£26m) lawsuit after she cancelled a scheduled concert in Cyprus.
Lopez was booked to perform at the Cratos Premium hotel and casino in Cyprus on 24th July 2010 (also the singer’s 41st birthday), but she has cancelled the gig due to what her agent calls the ‘political realities’ of the area. A statement on Lopez’ website reads:
“After a full review of the relevant circumstances in Cyprus, it was the decision of her advisers to withdraw from the appearance,
“Jennifer Lopez would never knowingly support any state, country, institution or regime that was associated with any form of human rights abuse.”
However, Murat Bozoglu, the CEO of the company who owns the Cratos hotel, claims that this is a breach of Lopez’s contract. He has stated:
“The cancellation … is not covered by any clause in the contract she signed with us,”
“If she does not show up for the concert, we will begin a procedure in the courts to claim $35-40m in damages.”
If the case reaches court and breach of contract is proven, it is presumed that the singer’s management company or record label will have professional indemnity insurance in place to cover the large compensation payout.