Update, 9/18: In conjunction with The Hunting Ground, a documentary about campus sexual assault, Lady Gaga has released the powerful video for "Til It Happens to You."
The visuals depict three separate stories of sexual assault, all shown in graphic detail—difficult to watch, but as the trigger warning states, the "emotionally unsettling" scenes "reflect the reality of what is happening daily on college campuses."
"I hope that this PSA, with its raw and truthful portrayals, will send a clear message that we need to support these courageous survivors and end this epidemic plaguing our college campuses," director Catherine Hardwicke said in a statement. Lady Gaga, who tweeted that a portion of the proceeds will go toward survivors' organizations, also reinforced the PSA's closing sentiment of togetherness and understanding.
We hope u feel our love&solidarity through the song & perhaps find some peace in knowing u r not alone through this film #TilItHappensToYouSeptember 18, 2015
Watch the video here.
Original story, 8/22: While in the process of recording a new pop album, Lady Gaga found herself singing a slightly different—and much more emotional—tune.
The singer teamed up with writing legend Diane Warren to pen the ballad "Til It Happens to You," a heartbreaking interpretation of a sexual assault survivor's experience.
After making an impact as the theme for The Hunting Ground (a documentary about campus rape), the song will now be used for a Catherine Hardwicke-directed PSA aimed to "raise awareness for campus sexual assault," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"The video PSA, shot in black and white, casts an emotional spotlight on young women in vulnerable situations that college students will readily recognize," THR explained of the clip, which will be released in the coming weeks as fall semesters begin.
"Till it happens to you, you don't know how it feels / Till It happens to you, you won't know, it won't be real," belts Gaga, who unfortunately does know how it feels. During a December 2014 interview with Howard Stern, she revealed that she'd been raped by a music producer at just 19 years old.
Listen to "Till It Happens to You" below:
-
Wait, Did Kaia Gerber Skip the 2024 Emmys Red Carpet?The model was nowhere to be seen on the red carpet.
-
Elizabeth Debicki Knows You'll Compare Her Dior Emmys Dress to Princess DianaHere, she exclusively takes 'Marie Claire' inside the styling of her "regal" gown.
-
72 New Arrivals We're Obsessing Over Right NowSponsor Content Created With Walmart
-
Taylor Swift Had the Sweetest Dedication to Travis Kelce During Her VMAs Acceptance Speech“Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic,” Swift said after winning the Video of the Year award.
-
Chappell Roan Lights Up the 2024 MTV VMAs Stage—With a Literal Flaming ArrowThe theme of the night is Joan of Arc realness.
-
Chappell Roan Dedicates Best New Artist Win at the 2024 MTV VMAs to the "Queer and Trans People That Fuel Pop""I see you, I understand you because I'm one of you," the singer said while accepting the coveted award.
-
Sabrina Carpenter Makes Out With an Alien While Performing a 'Short n' Sweet' Medley at the 2024 MTV VMAsThe superstar brought sexy back to space.
-
Tyla Calls Best Afrobeats VMAs Win "Bittersweet" Because of the "Tendency to Group All African Artists Under" the GenreThe South African star took home the Moonperson for her global hit "Water."
-
Post Malone Lauds Taylor Swift for Directing the "Fortnight" Video While Winning Best Collaboration at the 2024 MTV VMAsThe superstars gushed over each other while accepting the first award of the night.
-
Chappell Roan Tells a Photographer to "Shut the F--k Up" As She Arrives on the 2024 MTV VMAs Red CarpetThe singer had some words for the eager paparazzi at the award show.
-
beabadoobee Shares What Music Shaped Her—And What's on Her Playlist NowThe singer opens up about her listening habits, including her penchant for playing Maroon 5 at parties.
