August 7, 2018
Gaga Apologizes for Tweeting About 'Born This Way' Model's Cause of Death
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Lady Gaga is apologizing this week for referring to the passing of fashion model Rick "Zombie Boy" Genest, who is best known for starring in the pop star's music video for the LGBTQ anthem "Born This Way," as suicide on Twitter.
The "Applause" singer reacted to the model's passing on Twitter last week, calling Genest's death "beyond devastating." But after Genest's friends and family came forward to say they're unsure if his death was, in fact, a suicide, Gaga has deleted her initial response and offered up an apology.
"Out of respect for Rick's family, Rick & his legacy I apologize if I spoke too soon as there was no witnesses or evidence to support any conclusion for the cause of his death," she wrote Saturday. "I in no way meant to draw an unjust conclusion My deepest condolences to his entire family and friends."
Though his death was reported as a suicide, the Quebec coroner's office has yet to release Genest's official cause of death. The model's manager told People he believes his death was also accidental.
"For us, the family and close entourage, we feel there are too many inconsistencies around his death to rule it as a suicide, and for people to jump to conclusions that rapidly was disappointing," said Karim Leduc.
Genest, 32, was known for his head-to-toe tattoos, holding the Guinness World Book of Records for the most insects tattooed on a human boy (178) and having the most bones inked on a human body (138). He also modeled for a number of high fashion brands, including the French house Mugler.
Find Gaga's new tweets below.
