Head of the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office Arayik Harutyunyan has responded to criticism regarding the organization of the recent concert by global pop icon Jennifer Lopez in Yerevan. In a Facebook post, Harutyunyan stated that the concert was fully in line with Armenia’s national cultural development strategy.
He remarked that with this event, “once again, the ‘party of darkness’ is defeated by light, progress, and development.”
“Jennifer Lopez, a global megastar, delivered a spectacular concert for the Armenian audience and around 15,000 tourists. I hadn’t planned to comment on this topic, even though I was directly involved in pushing the idea. It’s extremely offensive to read the most absurd comments: from claims that one person could eat $37,000 worth of food, to questions about why J Lo wasn’t taken to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial per protocol, and accusations that the money was stolen,” Harutyunyan wrote.
He added that it’s one thing for uninformed social media users to make such remarks, but “when educated people who have traveled and attended similar events abroad write for supposedly reputable (formerly) media outlets—it’s different.”
He criticized what he called a “vicious campaign” against the state and government: “traitor,” “they stole the money,” “foreigners are shocked why the government funded this concert,” and so on. “And these people compare themselves to the BBC.”
Harutyunyan said such negativism has always existed: “Even when celebrating the 30th anniversary of statehood—one of the most significant jubilees of the decade—critics were urging mourning instead of festivities, spreading conspiracies. But such foul mouths always fall silent after a grand and state-worthy celebration.”
He argued that major sports events like European championships in weightlifting and boxing help boost Armenia’s standing in international federations. He recalled that Armenia was set to host a world championship in 2024, but lost the chance due to “a so-called activist burning a flag,” postponing the event to 2027.
Harutyunyan also addressed criticism of festivals and Eurovision-style events: “They cry out, ‘you stole the money, give it to the poor.’ But our international reputation in that market is growing.”
He noted the irony of critics posting complaints “while relaxing by the sea, under the Aegean breeze.” Some former government officials, he added, even bought tickets and sat in the VIP section of the Lopez concert.
“Yet again, the ‘party of darkness’ loses to light, progress, and development. And it always will. We will keep implementing such programs. Jennifer Lopez’s solo concert was also a vital boost for cultural tourism—proving that Armenia is ready to host the world’s biggest stars,” Harutyunyan said.
“Keep your heads high and your spirit strong—darkness always loses. You will see more global stars on Armenian soil, not just through Eurosport or wondering why they go to Baku and Tbilisi while bypassing our country.”
P.S. “Naturally, the basement-level ‘freedoms’ won’t mention in their reports that the event was fully aligned with Armenia’s 2023–2027 Cultural Development Strategy. Its core goal is to enhance the country’s international visibility and strengthen its position as a nation that produces and preserves global civilizational values.”
American singer Jennifer Lopez performed in Yerevan on August 3 as part of her Up All Night tour, which includes stops in several countries and cities.
