In a deal with a reported $12 million, Jennifer Lopez — a native of the working-class Bronx – joined Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler was revealed as one of two new judges joining the 10th season of American Idol this week.
But for all her millions, some residents of her native New York City neighborhood have had a tough time convincing the singer/dancer/actress to crack open her designer bag to help the Holy Family School, a cash-strapped primary institution where Lopez was a student in the mid-70s.
“Jennifer hasn’t even sent us a CD,” Holy Family Principal Claire La Tempa fumed in a scathing scoop featured on the pages of The New York Daily News on Friday.
The “Waiting For Tonight” singer carved a name for herself as Jenny From the Block, in recognition of her childhood home, but Lopez is being slated by La Tempa for allegedly turning her back on the community.
“The recession has hit parents hard. Many of them are single mothers. A lot have lost their jobs. I have one mother who worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital for 25 years – and she’s out of work now. It’s hard for families to make the tuition… I keep praying she’ll donate the pink diamond engagement ring Ben Affleck gave her.”
JLo’s mom Guadalupe, was a kindergarten and gym teacher at Holy Family, which is regularly touted as a Four Star School of Excellence by GreatSchools.com.
“Lupe was wonderful, a sweetie, and wonderful with the kids,” said La Tempa, who over her 34 years at the school taught Lopez’s sister, Emmy-winning journalist Lynda Lopez, and watched Jennifer grow up. “When Jennifer became famous, I asked Lupe if Jennifer could donate a scholarship in her name, and Lupe just said, ‘Uh-uh! That’s her money and that’s it,’” she added.
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