Why J-Lo stood up the orphans

Last updated at 16:13 11 June 2004


Jennifer Lopez stood up a charity event for orphans when she wed Latin lover Marc Anthony, it was reported today.

Lopez was planning to travel to Moscow for a number of charity events and commercial endorsements last weekend.

But her publicist told People magazine that J-Lo stayed at her Beverly Hills mansion for the surprise wedding.

According to one report, Lopez - a special ambassador for the United Nations - snubbed a charity event for 450 Russian orphans.

Lopez, 33, was also due to attend a June 1 charity concert devoted to International Children Protection Day and the 50th anniversary of Russia's participation in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

Russian news agency TASS said disabled children from 65 regions of Russia were taking part in the concert at which J-Lo was scheduled to be guest of honour.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Eleonora Mitrofanova told said the concert was part of a programme called Stars of the World to Children, to benefit under-privileged children.

Lopez also infuriated promoters for a J-Lo clothing shop chain line by failing to turn up for a store opening.

Her manager Simon Fields said there was no contractual agreement for her to appear at the event.

But Melanie Bonvicino, a spokesperson for the Russian J-Lo licensee, Toroil S.A. told the New York Post: "Jennifer didn't let us know she wasn't coming until the day she was supposed to get on the plane."

She said: "There definitely exists a valid and binding agreement with my clients, Toroil, S.A., which has been signed by both Ms Lopez and Mr Fields.

"For the record, our attorneys are currently in discussions in an attempt to resolve this matter," she added.

A representative for Lopez was not immediately available for comment.

Lopez, tied the knot with 34-year-old Anthony following a whirlwind romance, just months after her very public break-up with Ben Affleck.

It is the actress and singer's third marriage.

Anthony got a quickie divorce from former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres last week in the Dominican Republic.

Anthony wed beauty queen Torres in May 2000 but they broke up in July 2002. They renewed their vows a few months later but split for good in October 2003.

The pair have two young sons, and he has a daughter from a previous relationship.

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