Laga Gaga is re-releasing both CD and vinyl versions of Artpop without her controversial track with R. Kelly, who’s currently in jail awaiting trial for 13 sex trafficking charges.
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New CD and vinyl versions of Gaga’s third studio album – without “Do What U Want” – are both available for pre-order over in the UK, The Independent reports. The album track list on Gaga’s site still includes “Do What U Want”, but this version is listed as ‘sold out’.
The removal of the controversial track follows Gaga’s vow earlier in the year to remove the track from all streaming platforms.
“As a victim of sexual assault myself, I made both the song and video at a dark time in my life, my intention was to create something extremely defiant and provocative because I was angry and still hadn’t processed the trauma that had occurred in my own life,” she released in a statement.
“I think it’s clear how explicitly twisted my thinking was at the time. If I could go back and have a talk with my younger self I’d tell her to go through the therapy I have since then, so that I could understand the confused post-traumatic state that I was in – or if therapy was not available to me or anyone in my situation – to seek help, and speak as openly and honestly as possible about what we’ve been through.
“I can’t go back, but I can go forward and continue to support women, men, and people of all sexual identities, and of all races, who are victims of sexual assault.”
Check out the full statement below.
I stand by anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual assault: pic.twitter.com/67sz4WpV3i
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) January 10, 2019
Gaga shows bravery and resilience in being the first artist to remove an R. Kelly collaboration from an album. This now places important pressure on other artists to follow suit.
This article discusses allegations of sexual abuse. If you would like to talk to a counsellor about rape, sexual abuse or domestic violence, please contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000.
