Lady Gaga is sharing her truth with fans in an episode of the new Apple TV+ docuseries The Me You Can't See, hosted by Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry.
Listen to your favorite music now on Audacy and shop the latest from Lady Gaga
Gaga, a known mental health advocate, has always been open and honest about her own struggles with trauma and depression, but her appearance on the show reveals the pain she’s endured goes deeper than some music fans may have realized.
The 35-year-old singer shared with Oprah and Harry that she experienced pregnancy at 19 years old as the result of being raped by a music producer.
“I was 19 years old and I was working in the business, and a producer said to me: ‘Take your clothes off’. And I said no,” she shared emotionally.
“I left, and they told me they were going to burn all of my music. And they didn’t stop. They didn’t stop asking me, and I just froze and I don’t even remember.”
When asked the name of her abuser, Gaga refused to answer stating, “I will not say his name.”
She continued, “I understand this #MeToo movement, I understand that some people feel really comfortable with this and I do not... I do not ever want to face that person again.”
Gaga revealed the incident caused her to spiral into an unsafe mental state, which led to self-harm and psychotic episodes. While she still struggles to cope with PTSD and find mental balance since the events, she hopes that sharing her story will encourage those in a dark place to seek help.
“I’m trying to make sure that I give back with that experience instead of just, I don't know, locking it away and faking it,” she said. "It's a very real thing to feel like there's a black cloud following you wherever you go and it's telling you that you're worthless and should die.”
She continued, “I used to scream and throw myself against the wall... And you know why it's not good to self-harm? Because it makes you feel worse. You think you're gonna feel better 'cause you're showing somebody, 'Hey, look, I'm in pain.' It doesn't help. Tell somebody, don't show somebody."
Audacy’s I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-8255.
WATCH MORE: Simple ways you can reduce anxiety and stress in your life