Jennifer Lopez, seen in New York in June, has withdrawn from an upcoming birthday appearance in northern Cyprus. (Louis Lanzano/Associated Press)

American performer Jennifer Lopez has cancelled a birthday performance in northern Cyprus this month, amid growing controversy about the gig in a Turkish-occupied area from Greek Cypriots and Greek-American groups.

"Jennifer Lopez would never knowingly support any state, country, institution or regime that was associated with any form of human rights abuse. After a full review of the relevant circumstances in Cyprus, it was the decision of her advisers to withdraw from the appearance," reads a statement posted to the actress and singer's official website on Thursday.

"This was a team decision that reflects our sensitivity to the political realities of the region."

While Greek Cypriots hailed Lopez's withdrawal as a "victory" on social media sites like Facebook on Friday, her decision drew scorn from Turkish Cypriots.

Birthday invitation

Several weeks ago, it emerged that a new luxury hotel-casino opening near the coastal city of Kyrenia had invited Lopez to celebrate her 41st birthday on the northern region of the Mediterranean island.

Reports arose that the New York-born entertainer would receive an appearance fee of about $3 million US to perform at a July 24 show at the Cratos Premium hotel in the Turkish-occupied north, which separated politically from the rest of the island in 1974.

Though the government-controlled, Greek-speaking south is recognized internationally, the breakaway, Turkish-speaking northern region is recognized only by Turkey. This division remains a conflict between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.

News of Lopez's forthcoming show quickly sparked loud condemnation from Greek Cypriots as well as Greek heritage groups in the U.S. such as the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, with several online campaigns calling for the concert to be cancelled.

With files from The Associated Press