Arayik Harutyunyan Addresses Jennifer Lopez Concert Criticism

The head of the Armenian government staff, Arayik Harutyunyan, has addressed criticisms directed at the Armenian authorities concerning the organization of the concert by global star Jennifer Lopez in Yerevan. He made a post on his Facebook page titled 'The Party of Darkness Has Lost Again.'

'The global mega-star Jennifer Lopez delivered a magnificent concert to the Armenian audience and about 15,000 tourists. I did not want to comment on this topic, even though I played a direct role in promoting the idea, as it was incredibly offensive to hear and read the most inadequate comments. It is one thing when uninformed users without relevant education write on social media (such as questioning whether one person can consume $37,000 worth of food, accusing the government of corruption, or asking why JayLo isn't taken to Tsitsernakaberd as part of protocol), but it's another when educated individuals who seem to have 'seen the world,' and who I am sure have attended many similar events abroad, also talk about it. It’s also disheartening to see once reputable (previously) media outlets writing or fabricating news about it.

There is a horrible campaign against the state and the government, accusing them of treason, saying they have stolen funds, and expressing bewilderment from foreigners as to why the government spent money on this concert, and so forth. These individuals compare us to the BBC.

This ignorance has always existed. We are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the state, one of the main anniversaries of the decade, yet some say, 'Let your suns be buried, mourn, you must always mourn, don’t go to the square; the poisonous façade of the vertigo will fill your pockets.' But the filthy mouths are always silenced after a grand event worthy of a 30-year-old state with an unprecedented audio-visual show and an unparalleled drone performance that will be remembered for a long time.

Secondly, you organize major sporting events like the European Championships in Weightlifting or Boxing, and they still complain that billions have been stolen, that they bought houses and cars. Meanwhile, these events allow us to strengthen our positions in international sports organizations because your opinions start to be respected and accepted. As a result of these events, we should have hosted the World Championship in 2024, but due to the actions of a demanding moron waving a flag, we will only hold that championship in 2027.

Thirdly, you organize festivals and Eurovision, and again they say that funds have been wasted, claiming the money should be given to those in need, that our job is to mourn, not to smile, not to be happy, and not even think about pleasure. And on top of that, there’s no consideration for how we are growing our reputation in that market.

The most ridiculous aspect is that these critiques come from those lounging by the sea, basking in the soft breezes of the Aegean. The irony is that some former members of their government still buy tickets and show up at J.Lo's spectacle. But again, the Party of Darkness loses to light, progress, and development. And it will continue to lose.

We will always undertake such programs. In this context, Jennifer Lopez's solo concert was a significant impetus for the development of cultural tourism, showing that Armenia is ready to host the world's biggest stars.

Hold your heads high, be brave; darkness always loses. You will see great stars of art and sports in your country's territory, rather than just watching them on Eurosport or bending your necks and asking why stars go to Baku and Tbilisi while our country has 'hands up.'
P.S. Naturally, the 'free' media will not mention in their reports that the event fully aligned with the key objectives of the 2023-2027 strategy for the development of culture in Armenia—enhancing the country's international recognition and reinforcing Armenia's position as a creator and bearer of global civilizational values. This is for your information.