Lady Gaga's
response
Quote:
Lady Gaga: Wristband Lawsuit 'Without Merit'
7:53pm UK, Tuesday June 28, 2011
Jane Witherspoon, entertainment correspondent
Lady Gaga says a lawsuit accusing her of pocketing cash from the sale of charity wristbands is "misguided" and "without merit".
Lady Gaga pictured during a news conference of the MTV video Music Aid Japan event in Tokyo
Lady Gaga publicises a concert for victims of the Japan tsunami and earthquake
The wristbands were designed to raise money for the Japanese earthquake relief effort.
The $5 (£3.13) items are sold on the Poker Face star’s website which states "All proceeds go directly to Japan relief efforts".
Detroit-based 1-800-LAW-FIRM has filed the lawsuit claiming the singer has profited from the sales and overcharged customers for postage and packaging.
But Lady Gaga said: "This misguided lawsuit is without merit and unfortunately takes attention away from the kind deeds of the fans around the world who are supporting the people of Japan.
"The entire $5 donation made with the purchase of each bracelet is going to support the disaster relief.
Lady Gaga wears a wristband with the words We Pray for Japan
Lady Gaga pictured wearing one of her wristbands
"No profit is being made on shipping costs. Sales tax charges were made in accordance with local legal requirements.
"Lady Gaga has personally pledged her own funds to this cause and continues to support the victims of the disaster."
Legal investigator David Darby said: "It all stems from the fact that people who order the wristbands from an online store were charged tax. Why did this raise a red flag?
"Well, charitable donations are not subject to taxation. So if all proceeds from the sale of those wristbands were actually going to help the relief effort, then there would have been no need to charge tax."
Efforts are ongoing in Japan to rebuild areas of the country following the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami in March. Lady Gaga has reportedly donated £2m to help.
Sarah Miller from the Charity Commission told Sky News that there is a code of conduct for setting up charities and they should be transparent about costs.
It is a shame that this might tarnish the goodwill but it remains to be seen and it may be that everything is fine and dandy.
Music journalist Chris Roberts
She said: "There are always costs attached to fundraising.
"It is important that people realise there will be some cost but it is good for charities to be able to explain exactly where money is going so people can make informed decisions about how they can help."
Many charities rely on celebrities to raise their profile as well as cash.
Music journalist Chris Roberts said Lady Gaga's association with Japan's relief effort will have boosted charitable donations.
He said: "You would be deeply grateful to have a celebrity of the magnitude of Lady Gaga on board so that will certainly have helped the cause.
"It is a shame that this might tarnish the goodwill but it remains to be seen and it may be that everything is fine and dandy.
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Blegh, '1-800-LAW-FIRM' is clearly doing this for publicity. Gaga should totally counter sue them for libel and defamation.