Lady Gaga Releases a Heartbreaking PSA About Campus Sexual Assault
If you watch one video today, make it this.

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.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"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:
-
Rihanna Goes Sport Mode in a Gucci Pointe Shoes and a Baseball Jersey
Take note.
-
Try My Lip Overlining Technique, And You'll Be Tempted to Cancel Your Filler Appointment
Makeup artist-approved.
-
Duchess Sophie Cements Her Style Star Status After Kate Wears Her Favorite Outfit
Let's call it the Sophie Effect.
-
Beyoncé Battles Her Gatekeepers on the 'Cowboy Carter' Tour
And proves the best use of her power is looking beyond them.
-
In 'Sinners,' Music From the Past Liberates Us From the Present
In its musical moments, Ryan Coogler's vampire blockbuster makes a powerful statement about Black culture, ancestry, and art.
-
After 25 Years, 'The Virgin Suicides' Is Still Influencing Artists Like Me
To coincide with the film's anniversary, Mia Berrin from Pom Pom Squad reflects on what it's meant to her artistic journey.
-
Rico Nasty Shares What Music Shaped Her—and What's on Her Playlist Now
With her new album 'LETHAL' coming soon, the rapper opens up about her musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
-
In 'Opus,' Cult Leaders and Pop Stars Are One in the Same
The A24 film's costume and production designers open up about crafting fictional pop icon Moretti’s style and mysterious estate.
-
The Melancholic Sound of Success
The artist known as Japanese Breakfast opens up about finding her sound on a new album after experiencing whirlwind success.
-
LISA, Doja Cat, and Raye Perform a Glamorous 'James Bond' Tribute at the 2025 Oscars
The Academy Awards are for the pop girls, actually.
-
Aly & AJ Share What Music Shaped Them—And What's on Their Playlist Now
With their new album 'Silver Deliverer' coming soon, the sister act opens up about their musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."