Lady Gaga Just Stood Up Against R. Kelly, And Fans Feel It's Long Overdue
Another day and another former R. Kelly collaborator has stepped up to the podium to speak out against the defamed singer-producer. Much to everyone’s surprise, it was pop star Lady Gaga, a prominent LGBTQ advocate and sexual assault survivor. The unlikely match joined forces for her “Do What U Want (With My Body)” single back in 2013. The song topped iTunes charts internationally. Prior to the song’s release, there were countless allegations against Robert and him engaging sexually with underage girls. Gaga was heavily scrutinized for working with the Pied Piper but took to Instagram last night to pen a lengthy statement in support of the #MuteRKelly movement.
“I stand behind anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual assault or violence. Period,” Gaga began. “I stand behind these women 1000%, believe them, know they are suffering and in pain, and feel strongly that their voices should be heard and taken seriously…”
“What I am hearing about [Robert] is absolutely horrifying and indefensible…”
The A Star Is Born actress, during the time of the song’s debut, was in a “dark” place and purposefully made something “provocative” and “extremely defiant.” Gaga stated, “it’s clear how explicitly twisted my thinking was at the time.” In an effort to right her wrongs, she continued, “I share this not to make excuses for myself, but to explain [...] I intend to remove this song off of iTunes and other streaming platforms and will not be working with him again.”
Fans may be divided over Gaga's sentiments, but it is a step in the right direction.
The song was re-released with Christina Aguilera, shortly after, and most seem to prefer that version anyway.
Check out Gaga's full apology below.
