Lady Gaga

Lost International, a surf and lifestyle brand, sued Lady Gaga and her merchandising partner, alleging that use of 'Mayhem' for her album, tour and merchandise infringed its trademark rights.

Attribution

Accused

Following the violent theft of Gaga's French bulldogs and the shooting of her dog walker, Jennifer McBride returned the animals and subsequently sued to claim the $500,000 reward offered by the singer. A judge dismissed her claim, noting that she had pleaded no contest to receiving stolen property in the case.

Lady Gaga recorded 'Do What U Want' with R. Kelly in 2013 despite allegations against him already being public. Following the documentary 'Surviving R. Kelly' in 2019, she apologised, said she supported the women accusing him and announced the song's removal from platforms.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Directly implicated

Former personal assistant Jennifer O'Neill claimed hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid overtime, alleging that she had to be available virtually around the clock. Lady Gaga disputed the claims and described the job as exceptional and generously compensated through benefits. A judge allowed part of the case to proceed before a confidential settlement was reached in 2013.

State of the evidence

Settlement

Attribution

Accused

A Gaga performance on X Factor prompted several hundred complaints to Ofcom about her costume and choreography being broadcast before the British watershed.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Directly implicated

Upon release, 'Born This Way' was widely compared with Madonna's 'Express Yourself', and some critics called it an imitation. Madonna herself later described the song as 'reductive' in an interview.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Directly implicated

Lady Gaga cancelled a planned concert in Jakarta following threats from radical Islamist groups and a dispute over security permits. Opponents called her show immoral and threatened to disrupt the event.

State of the evidence

Documented

The single and video 'Judas', depicting Lady Gaga with characters inspired by Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene, attracted criticism from Catholic organisations, particularly because of its release around Easter.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

During a concert in Sydney, Gaga appeared as a mermaid in a wheelchair. Organisations and commentators argued that the image used disability as a stage prop and called for an apology.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated