Lady Gaga waited seven years to reveal that she was raped at the age of 19. But the now 30-year-old pop star has become a vocal advocate for victims of sexual assault, even lending her talents to The Hunting Ground's Oscar-nominated song "Til It Happens to You."
Gaga is determined to make a change, and her hard work hasn't gone unnoticed by the White House. The star joined Vice President Joe Biden in Las Vegas on Thursday for a rally against sexual assault as part of the 'It's On Us' campaign, and he was quick to praise her bravery.
"Imagine the courage it takes for her to speak out," Biden said while introducing Gaga and giving a 40-minute speech on campus assault." And then imagine the courage it takes for her to sing a song, 'Til It Happens to You,' that is branded in her heart."
Gaga performed her Oscar-nominated song, and also told the crowd how they can help victims of assault. "Just take like one moment today to have compassion for something you might not understand," she said. "If you can simply be a friend to someone and truly listen, truly lend your ear, even if it's hard or you don't understand, really trying to be there with them, you will be fulfilling the sense of loneliness that has stayed with me ever since the day I was abused."
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
I Work Out 5 Days a Week—These Are the Brands I Wear on Repeat
Sponsor Content Created With Nordstrom
By Emma Walsh Published
-
Princess Kate Will Be "Ready to Talk" About Her Absence When She Gets Back to Work, Source Claims
The Palace has released very few details about her illness and recovery.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate Was Allegedly Spotted Looking "Happy, Relaxed and Healthy" at a Farm Shop This Weekend
Anonymous onlookers provided this description to 'The Sun.'
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton Published
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner Published
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors Published
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park Published
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez Published
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors Published