Lady Gaga has opened up about her decision not to address longstanding rumours about her gender identity

Speaking on Netflix's What’s Next? The Future With Bill Gates, Gaga recalled a rumour that began in her early 20s, suggesting she was a man. 

“Almost every interview I did, there was this doctored imagery on the internet, and people would ask, ‘What do you have to say about that?’” she shared.

Gaga revealed that her decision not to respond came from her wanting to protect others. 

"I didn’t feel like a victim of that lie, but I thought, ‘What about a kid who is being accused of the same? What would they feel if I expressed shame?’" she said. 

Instead of addressing the rumour directly, Gaga sought to challenge perceptions in a different way.

"I tried to be thought-provoking and disruptive, using the misinformation to create another point of discussion," she explained.

The Grammy-winning artist, known for her bold performances, added that it’s ironic people question her authenticity when her "performance is the most real thing" about her.

Despite years of tabloid rumours, Gaga has remained unfazed. 

“I’ve been used to lies being printed about me since I was 20. I’m a performer, and I think it’s kind of funny,” she said.

In 2011, Gaga dismissed the same rumours on CNN’s 60 Minutes, saying: “My fans don’t care, and neither do I.” 

That same year, she released her anthem Born This Way, inspired by the LGBTQ+ movement, and later launched a foundation to support young people facing challenges.

As she prepares for her role as Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie à Deux, Gaga continues to embrace her true self, on and off the screen.

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