Lady Gaga's Scrapped Deal Leaves Target 'Surprised And Disappointed'

Gaga dissolved relationship with retail giant over reported political contributions made to antigay gubernatorial candidate.
By Jocelyn Vena


Lady Gaga
Photo: Tom Briglia/ WireImage

Retail giant Target has issued a statement in reaction to the news that Lady Gaga has decided not to release an exclusive deluxe edition of Born This Way, due May 23, through the store as originally planned.

In a statement released to MTV News, Target explained that Gaga's reservations about working with the company came as a shock. Gaga had reportedly dissolved her relationship with the chain megastore after LGBT groups began investigating certain donations the store made, including a 2010 donation of corporate funds to MN Forward, a political action committee that supported antigay candidate Tom Emmer in his 2010 run for governor of Minnesota.

"We were very surprised and disappointed by the statements made by Lady Gaga's organization related to her partnership with Target," the company wrote. "Target remains committed to the LGBT community as demonstrated by our contributions to various LGBT organizations, our recently established Policy Committee to review our political giving and our respectful, inclusive workplace environment."

Gaga, an outspoken gay activist, had previously addressed concerns about Target's political leanings but hoped that they would be able to work to expand their LGBT horizons with her onboard.

"That discussion was one of the most intense conversations I've ever had in a business meeting," Gaga said. "Part of my deal with Target is that they have to start affiliating themselves with LGBT charity groups and begin to reform and make amends for the mistakes they've made in the past. ... Our relationship is hinged upon their reform in the company to support the gay community and to redeem the mistakes they've made supporting those [antigay] groups."

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Lady Gaga Designs Japanese Tsunami Relief Wristband

Mother Monster tweets that all proceeds from sales of prayer bracelets will go to those affected by Friday's tragic disaster.
By Jocelyn Vena


Lady Gaga's Japanese tsunami relief bracelet
Photo: Bravado USA

Lady Gaga is doing her part to help those affected by the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan on Friday (March 11). The devastating quake triggered a 10-meter tsunami and now threatens Pacific coastal areas, including Hawaii and the West Coast.

The star tweeted on Friday that she has designed a special wristband with all of the proceeds going to benefit those affected by the disaster.

"I Designed a Japan Prayer Bracelet. Buy It/Donate here and ALL proceeds will go to Tsunami Relief Efforts. Go Monsters," Gaga wrote.

She then shared a link with more information about the red-and-white bracelet on which the words "we pray for Japan" are written along with an image of a hand making Gaga's signature monster paw gesture. "Little Monsters, show your support for Japan with this 'We Pray for Japan' wristband! Choose your price to add an additional donation with your wristband," the description for the bracelet reads. "All proceeds go directly to Japan relief efforts."

Gaga is the latest celebrity to reach out and help shed light on the devastation left by the tragic events in Japan. Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Adam Lambert, Diddy and many more sent their prayers to those affected via Twitter. Britney Spears encouraged fans to donate to relief organizations, tweeting, "So tragic. My heart is breaking for Japan."

"Just heard about the huge earthquake and tsunami in Japan," Kim Kardashian wrote. "My prayers are with everyone in Japan. Seeing all of this footage in Japan is devastating! Please help the people of Japan by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation."

For more information on what you can do to help with earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan head to MTV Act, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

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Kate Middleton's Bachelorette Party

Kate Middleton's Bachelorette Party

Much about the preparations for Kate Middleton's  wedding to Prince William are being kept under wraps, but we can be assured of at least one thing: her bachelorette party will be the "time of her life."

That's because Kate's sister, Pippa, is planning a Dirty Dancing themed "hen party," as the British call it. The event will take place at the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, England. The girls' mother, Carole, is expected to attend.

In addition to the gala in Bucklebury, Pippa, 27, also is busy arranging a second bachelorette party in London for her older sis Kate, 29, and her gal pals. The secrecy level on this one is high -- so much so that Pippa supposedly booked four venues to throw off snoopers. Even guests don't know where they will be headed, though the future Queen of England is said to have some favorite local pubs, including Eighty-Six, a trendy bar in Fulham, West London, and a nightclub called Public, located in Chelsea.

"None of the girls know where they will be going -- and won't until the actual day," a source tells London's Daily Mail newspaper.

Meanwhile, rumors abound that Prince William's bachelor party will be a watery affair, with a day of water sports with Prince Harry and other close friends, to be followed by a barbecue and a trip to visit pubs only accessible by boat.

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The 'Paul' Cast Tackle 'Probing Questions' In New MTV After Hours

Geeks of the world, if there's one point that "Battle: Los Angeles" drove home, it's this: alien invasions are an inevitability, not just a possibility, and we'd be wise to prepare accordingly. Preparation goes far beyond honing those combat skills for one-on-one alien death matches, too. When we finally meet our extraterrestrial overlords, what are you [...]

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Usher 'Got A Good Laugh' From Fan Kicking Him In The Face

'It looked worse than it actually was,' the 'OMG' singer laughs about accidental blow during concert serenade.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Usher
Photo: Jordan Strauss/ Getty Images

Usher's club-rattling jam "OMG" may "kill it every night" according to tourmate Miguel, but when the Atlanta crooner hit Madison Square Garden earlier this week, he was almost taken out by a clumsy fan.

When the singer touched down in New York on Monday, he indulged a super amped fan's fantasy by pulling her onstage for an intimate flirty serenade of "Trading Places." As Usher and the concertgoer got cozy on a recliner, she swiveled around to face the crooner — knocking him squarely in his mug with her foot. She began apologizing profusely as Usher briefly paused to collect himself. But the superstar took the strike in stride, quipping, "We play rough in the bed. We kick each other in the face and all type of good stuff."

Although Usher brushed off the blow, the moment did make an impression on him.

"In all my years, this is one of the most interesting experiences. I got a kick out of it!" he told Us Weekly. The singer assured fans that the knock wasn't that bad. "It looked worse than it actually was. My audience and I got a good laugh."

As for the fan, the "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" star maintained everything is all good on that front too. "Wherever you are baby, don't feel bad," Usher said. "No hard feelings."

As Miguel has noted, Usher isn't one dwell on drama, whether it's cranking out another hit album or weathering an unexpected hit from a fan.

"He's such a tremendous example of perseverance and determination," Miguel recently told MTV News. "I was there throughout this album, so I've seen the adversity that he's had to overcome perception-wise."

What do you think of Usher's response to getting knocked in the head by a fan? Tell us in the comments!

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