Suit claiming singer profited from inflated shipping and sales tax is 'without merit,' rep says.
By Gil Kaufman
Lady Gaga
Photo: Ian Gavan/ Getty Images
Just days after a Michigan-based law firm filed suit against Lady Gaga over claims that the singer's charity overcharged fans for the shipping costs of her Japan-boosting bracelets and made money on the earthquake relief effort, a spokesperson for Mother Monster said the legal action was "misguided."
The suit from 1-800-LAW-FIRM alleges that the $5 bracelets — which Gaga rushed out shortly after the devastating March earthquake and tsunami — had an unnecessary $3.99 shipping cost and sales tax added on and that Gaga made money on them after promising that all proceeds would go to benefit disaster victims.
"I Designed a Japan Prayer Bracelet. Buy It/Donate here and ALL proceeds will go to Tsunami Relief Efforts. Go Monsters," Gaga tweeted on the day the earthquake struck.
According to E! Online, Gaga's publicist issued a statement on Tuesday responding to the claims.
"This misguided lawsuit is without merit and unfortunately takes attention away from the kind deeds of the fans around the world who are supporting the people of Japan," read the statement, which was issued days after Gaga performed in MTV Japan's concert to raise funds for earthquake relief. "The entire $5 donation made with the purchase of each bracelet is going to support the disaster relief. No profit is being made on shipping costs. Sales tax charges were made in accordance with local legal requirements. Lady Gaga has personally pledged her own funds to this cause and continues to support the victims of the disaster."
By the end of March, Gaga — who unveiled her new panda-inspired look while visiting Japan this week — announced that she had donated more than $1.5 million from the sale of the bracelets to video game maker Zynga's relief effort fund.
The lawsuit is seeking class-action status and possible refunds for fans who bought the bracelets.
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