“It’s about respect, not censorship”: Kazakh deputy about Jennifer Lopez's costume

Tengrinews.kz – Astana city council member Saule Samidin has responded to public criticism following her online comments about Jennifer Lopez’s stage outfits during the pop star’s recent concert in the Kazakh capital.

The deputy’s post, which touched on the singer’s revealing costumes, sparked widespread discussion and mixed reactions on social media. While some supported her viewpoint, many accused her of focusing on the wrong issues and urged her to prioritize more pressing problems facing residents.

In an interview with Tengrinews, Samidin expressed gratitude for the public's engagement and said she welcomed open dialogue.

“I sincerely appreciate the reaction. It shows we live in an active and engaged society. There were many comments—both supportive and critical—and all of them are valuable,” she said.

Samidin clarified that her reaction was personal and not intended to criticize the artist.

“This was my honest, human, motherly reaction. After the concert, my 16-year-old daughter said to me, ‘Mom, in the Emirates, J.Lo wore completely different, more modest outfits.’ And as a mother, I couldn’t help but take notice,” she explained.

The deputy added that her post wasn’t just about costumes but also about the broader significance of hosting such high-profile events in Kazakhstan.

Samidin emphasized that she respects Jennifer Lopez as a globally recognized artist and powerful female figure. However, she believes that cultural context matters—especially when concerts are attended by young people and families.

“My comment wasn’t about criticism. It was a reflection on cultural appropriateness within the context of our country. We’re talking about developing culture, creative industries, and event tourism—so it’s important to strike a balance between artistic freedom and local values. This is not about censorship—it’s about respect and understanding the environment, especially during public events designed for a wide audience,” Samidin added.

Addressing accusations that she was ignoring more serious issues, Samidin stressed that she continues to raise key concerns in her role as a deputy.

“People mentioned roads, kindergartens, and support for women—and those are indeed important. I regularly work on issues related to women’s safety, access to childcare, healthcare quality, and city infrastructure,” she said.

She also noted that large-scale cultural events should contribute not only to entertainment but also to the city’s development.

“If we want to become a true cultural hub, we need to talk about ethics and the kind of environment we’re shaping. I welcome constructive feedback from citizens and am always open to dialogue,” she said.

Earlier, Astana city council member Saule Samidin drew public attention with her remarks about the stage outfits worn by American pop icon Jennifer Lopez during a recent concert in Kazakhstan’s capital. Her social media post sparked a wave of reactions, with many criticizing the deputy for focusing on the singer’s wardrobe instead of addressing more pressing issues facing the country.

Jennifer Lopez’s concert in Astana, held last Friday, was one of the most anticipated music events of the year. Fans began arriving hours before the show, with some traveling from across Kazakhstan and even abroad—including Russia, Congo, and other countries.

The performance drew praise from attendees, and Lopez’s team later shared positive impressions of their visit, noting the warm hospitality, local cuisine, and rich culture they experienced in Kazakhstan.