Lady Gaga Speaks Out About Addressing Harmful Rumours
Lady Gaga, the renowned US singer-songwriter and actress known for her advocacy on LGBT issues, recently opened up about her decision not to explicitly address long-standing harmful rumours suggesting she is a man. In an interview with Netflix’s What’s Next? The Future With Bill Gates, Gaga revealed that during her early 20s, there was a pervasive rumour circulating that she was actually a man. Despite facing these baseless accusations in numerous interviews and public appearances, Gaga chose not to address them directly.
Explaining her rationale, Gaga stated that she did not feel like a victim of the false narrative. She expressed concern for young individuals who might experience similar unfounded attacks and how a public figure like herself not addressing these rumours could inadvertently perpetuate shame and stigma for others in similar situations. Gaga highlighted that instead of quashing the misinformation outright, she aimed to provoke thought and disrupt the narrative in a different way, using the misinformation to create a new perspective.
The 13-time Grammy winner shared that being subject to lies and misinformation about her identity has been a recurring theme since she was 20 years old. Referring to her identity as a performer, Gaga found humour in the situation and emphasised that her performances are authentic expressions of herself. Notably, Gaga sidestepped questions about the rumours during an interview on CNN’s 60 Minutes in 2011, emphasising that her focus remains on her artistry and her fans’ support.
Gaga, who has been an advocate for the LGBT community and identifies as bisexual, drew inspiration from her personal experiences to create her hit album Born This Way, dedicated to the movement. Additionally, she founded a charitable organisation bearing the same name to assist young individuals navigating challenging circumstances. Known for her versatility, Gaga received an Oscar nomination for her acting in A Star Is Born and won an Academy Award for the film’s original song, Shallow.
In her upcoming role as Harley Quinn in the new film Joker: Folie A Deux, alongside Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker, Gaga continues to challenge stereotypes and push boundaries in the entertainment industry. Through her work and advocacy, Gaga remains steadfast in promoting inclusivity and acceptance. Her resilience in the face of false narratives serves as a testament to her commitment to authenticity and empowerment.
As Lady Gaga shares her experiences and insights, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide with her unwavering dedication to artistic expression and social progress.
This article was originally published on WalesOnline.