Celebrity News September 22, 2017
Jennifer Lopez’s Heartbreaking Revelation About Family in Puerto Rico, Plus: Celebrity Reactions to Hurricane Maria
Superstar Jennifer Lopez has been personally affected by Hurricane Maria, which has done tremendous damage to Puerto Rico.
On Thursday, Lopez revealed that she hasn't been able to contact her family in Puerto Rico since the hurricane hit the U.S. territory. She said on Instagram, "What's on my mind is what's going on in Puerto Rico. The devastation is beyond belief. Me and my cousin still haven't been able to hear from our families over there.”
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"What's foremost on my mind and many others," J.Lo continued, "is trying to figure out the best way to help. Today, Puerto Rico needs our help. I urge you to support and donate to the efforts of the First Lady of Puerto Rico... Together, we can help rebuild our island, and the Caribbean.”
“Extra” caught up with Jennifer Lopez on Tuesday at a red carpet event for “World of Dance,” where she shared her concerns for earthquake victims in Mexico and those in the path of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
J.Lo went on to donate $1 million to the hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.
Lopez's ex-husband Marc Anthony also posted a video, urging people to donate to relief efforts after the natural disaster. He said, “During these past weeks, my island has faced the wrath of two historic hurricanes. It was Hurricane Irma and now Hurricane Maria as we all know, which has caused great devastation in Puerto Rico and the broader Caribbean. Nonetheless, Puerto Rico became a haven for those in need from our neighboring islands — that says a lot about us.”
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"But today, Puerto Rico needs your help, and I'm calling on everyone to support and donate to the disaster relief effort of the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló. United for Puerto Rico,” Anthony emphasized. "Together, we can change trajectories. UnitedForPuertoRico.com."
Some of the other celebrities using their voices to raise awareness for Puerto Rico include Ricky Martin, Daddy Yankee and Rosie Perez. See other star reactions to Hurricane Maria below.
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#NYC thank you! We don't stop . Let's rebuild #PuertoRico ! 🙏🏻 to the local heroes! And the community ! #Chicago we need you tonight! pic.twitter.com/U5yQ5rI2TE
@daddy_yankee
TY for all for the ❤️! Heard from some family but not all.
@rosieperezbklyn
☎️Emergencias #PuertoRico
FEMA 787-296-350
Policia:787-343/2020
Spread the word!
Other celebrities, including La La Anthony and Vanessa Hudgens, are partnering with Lyft to donate money to American Red Cross, which is raising money for the hurricane relief efforts. The car-sharing service has a Round-Up and Donate program, which allows people to donate to a cause.
The category 4 storm has left millions homeless and has completely knocked out electricity across Puerto Rico. In response to Maria, one of the most powerful storms to ravage the island in recorded history, a spokesperson for Puerto Rico's governor told CNN, "This is total devastation. Puerto Rico, in terms of the infrastructure, will not be the same… This is something of historic proportions.”
Aside from Maria, the world has recently been rocked by Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma and earthquakes in Mexico, leading to an unprecedented outpouring of support from celebrities and from people across the globe.
Star-Studded ‘Hand in Hand’ Telethon Raises Millions for Hurricane Victims
View StoryFor more details on how to help Puerto Rico, visit UnitedForPuertoRico.com.