The 'Edge of Glory' singer is criticized by some disability groups for posing as a disabled mermaid during her recent concert in Australia.
- July 14, 2011
AceShowbiz -
Lady GaGa has been slammed due to her stage act at Sidney's Town Hall. The Mother Monster posed as a mermaid when taking the stage Down Under on Wednesday, July 13. Sporting a short cyan wig, she wore a black leather tail, buttoned-up top and long veil.
The criticized performance was hot on heels of controversy surrounding the originality of Katy Perry's "mermaid planking", but it was not GaGa's costume which drew attention. It's her act of sitting on a wheelchair which infuriated some disability groups.
One of those finding her act offensive is Roman Reed Foundation which is promoting spinal cord injury research. "Dear @ladygaga how about using your celebrity status 2 try 2 get us out of wheelchairs. Instead of cruising one. Cool?!" the organization tweeted.
Jesse Billauer, the founder of disability group Life Rolls On Foundation, is also not impressed with GaGa. "Since this isn't the first time she has used a wheelchair in her performances, I invite her to learn more about the 5.6 million Americans who live with paralysis," Jesse said.
"I extend a personal invitation to Lady GaGa to attend one of our Life Rolls On events where quadriplegics and paraplegics surf, skate, and snowboard, so she can see how much is possible beyond a wheelchair," the activist added. "Maybe that will be most shocking to her of all."
Sue Egan at Physical Disability Australia, however, had no complain for GaGa. "If she used a wheelchair to embellish her act, well as long as she didn't take it too lightly and it would seem the audience weren't concerned about it," the executive officer said. "I'm sure there were people with a disability in the audience."
Lady GaGa hasn't responded to any of the critics. This is not the first time she was slammed by disability group. Back in April this year, she landed in hot water after throwing a "retarded" remark when responding to Madonna comparison.
"My apologies for not speaking thoughtfully," she said. "To anyone that was hurt, please know that it was furiously unintentional. An honest mistake, requires honesty to make. Whether life's disabilities left you outcast bullied or teased, rejoice and love yourself today."
