Taking a free ride on Ingrid Betancourt

French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt is not the only one taking advantage of the sudden popularity she has faced out of her perils. Artists such as Fanny Lu are taking a free ride too.

Soon after the liberation of Betancourt and 14 other hostages from the clutches of the Colombian guerrillas –and while by pure coincidence Republican Senator and Presidential candidate John McCain was campaigning in Colombia– singer Fanny Lu sent out a letter to the media thanking President Uribe for the heroic rescue.

In the letter she says: “Today is a day to celebrate the achievements of our President and our Armed Forces… I am very proud of him… I celebrate with joy the liberation of Ingrid, the North Americans and the other Colombian hostages.”

These types of highway PR moves are pretty common in the entertainment industry, which has been facing tough times with lack of sales, and artists (and record companies alike), sticking to anything to make news (and get a buck or two).

Don’t be surprised if the singer releases a tribute song –or an album, if things seem good ($$$)– dedicated to Betancourt and the current hostages. We just hope that the proceeds really end up in the hands of the right people and not in the pockets of company execs.

And while Betancourt celebrates the Colombian Independence at an upcoming huge charity concert in Paris, Fanny awaits an invitation to perform at the concert and take a free ride there too. Hey, McCain did it too!