June 29, 2011
Lady Gaga Targeted in Suit Over Japan Fundraising
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Lady Gaga's spokeswoman says a lawsuit accusing the music star of misleading fans with an online pitch for donations to victims of the Japan earthquake is meritless.
Lady Gaga's website is selling $5 wristbands that say, "We Pray For Japan." The website also allows people to make additional donations and says "all proceeds go directly to Japan relief efforts."
A lawsuit filed in Detroit notes that sales tax and a $3.99 shipping charge are added. Detroit-area attorney Alyson Oliver believes not all money is going to help the Japanese and she wants an accounting.
Lady Gaga's spokeswoman, Holly Shakoor, said Tuesday that no profit is being made on shipping costs. She says $5 from each wristband is going to Japan.
The lawsuit seeks refunds for people who bought wristbands.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
