Lady Gaga Denies Japan Relief Fundraiser Scam
Lady Gaga has shot down claims that her efforts to raise money for earthquake and tsunami relief in Japan with the sale of wristbands through her website was a scam. A class action lawsuit filed by the Michigan legal network 1800LAWFIRM alleges that not all of the proceeds from the sale of the wristbands have gone to the victims of the catastrophe as promised and that Gaga’s organization inflated shipping costs in order to boost profits.
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“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,” Gaga’s representatives said in a statement. “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.”
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According to the Gaga camp, the singer has donated around $3 million to Japan disaster relief through sales of the wristbands and other fundraising efforts.
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