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Lady Gaga Vows To Fight Bullying After Teen’s Suicide: “This Must End”

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(GettyImages.com)

Lady Gaga has taken up the cause of Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year-old boy who committed suicide on Sunday after years of bullying based on his sexuality.

Rodemeyer’s death is especially tragic given that he posted an “It Gets Better” YouTube video last May (watch below) as part of that initiative’s message of optimism and hope following a spate of gay teen suicides.

This evening, an emotional Gaga, whose “Born This Way” has become an anthem for inclusiveness, spoke to her millions of Twitter followers.

“The past days I’ve spent reflecting, crying, and yelling. I have so much anger. It is hard to feel love when cruelty takes someone’s life,” wrote Gaga moments ago, referring to Rodemeyer.

“Bullying must become illegal. It is a hate crime,” she declared.

“I am meeting with our President. I will not stop fighting. This must end. Our generation has the power to end it. Trend it #MakeALawForJamey”

Within minutes, the phrase was indeed trending – helped by the fact that Gaga has even more Twitter followers than President Obama.

Gossip Cop has reached out to Lady Gaga’s camp for comment on whether the superstar has made new, specific plans to address the bullying issue.

Gaga was a major proponent of repealing the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy toward homosexual servicemen and women. That law was officially erased this week.

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  • http://twitter.com/NikM1994 Nicole Miller

    This why I do have respect for her, she’s not just using her following to promote herself. She does care about her causes.

  • Jen

    She does this to promote herself. Don’t be naive. Also there is no way to stop bulling. It has been happening forever and will continue to happen. People are just to weak to handle it.

  • Anonymous

    Jen, Nicole is right. Gaga is not promoting herself you idiot. She is promoting a cause that means something to her. So get lost. Really.

  • Regina1180

    I honestly don’t see this as Gaga using this as a platform to get her name out there. I see this as Gaga trying to use her name to get this cause the attention it deserves.

  • http://www.facebook.com/tonichelle Toni Reitter

    isn’t it always funny how the president will listen to a celeb, but not an average joe voter? the more money anyone has be it coporate america or hollywood (also an AMERICAN CORPORATION don’t let them fool you) the more attention they get from “the man in power” – whomever that person may be in teh white house…

  • http://twitter.com/FamousZee MissZee

    she is promoting herself…she’s using a death of someone to make people respect her more and such…it saddens me, that it takes a DEATH for people to come out of the wood work to realize “wow…this needs to stop”

  • Gina

    I agree Nicole…someone has to push this issue and if Gaga can do it why not. Why is it that people think the worse of celebrities, not all people are greedy and want everything for themselves there are actually people out there that care and their heart is in the right place and trying to make a difference. And that goes for celebrities and any normal person. For those of you who doubt her sincerity ask yourself what have you done to make a difference?!?!?! Right NOTHING but put down the people that try and help those in need…..

  • Gov’t hookerr

    I would also think it’s funny that it was the people who were unrepresented in government, teens, that got her to recognize his death. It’s not just about the money. It’s also about how much influence you hold that allows you to credibly represent the people that are backing you, and Gaga has just that from a great amount of gay teens.

  • Gov’t hookerr

    I would also think it’s funny that it was the people who were unrepresented in government, teens, that got her to recognize his death. It’s not just about the money. It’s also about how much influence you hold that allows you to credibly represent the people that are backing you, and Gaga has just that from a great amount of gay teens.

  • Anonymous

    Yes, reach the lawmakers, but don’t just stop there, Gaga. Get to the religious authorities too. I’m sick already of their two-faced role. What is all this all along confusing, hypocritical message about? “we don’t hate you, but we don’t accept you either, we don´t approve of you”??? This totally PROMOTES divisiveness, intolerance, hatred. There MUST be someone reasonable up there. Make them OPEN THEIR EYES and see the facts, and ACT ASAP. Before it’s one-more-innocent-life-loss too late!

  • http://www.jerseymall.org nanlan

    tinyurl.com/4skyaqr

  • Positivemoron

    okay so I guess his death should totally just be ignored then right.
    She’s the only one in the music industry that’s this serious about equality rights.
    Jamey loved Gaga.
    It only seems fitting that she finds justice for the boy that didn’t live to see it.

  • Positivemoron

    okay so I guess his death should totally just be ignored then right.
    She’s the only one in the music industry that’s this serious about equality rights.
    Jamey loved Gaga.
    It only seems fitting that she finds justice for the boy that didn’t live to see it.

  • Mccoy_naia

    It is apathetic attitudes like yours that kill. Yes, of course there are ways to stop bullying…you just freaking kick those arses out of the schools and don’t let them come back. Or, send them to a military school…the thing is TO DO SOMETHING!!!! APATHY KILLS AND IT IS ATTITUDES LIKE YOURS THAT KILL! It has become an epidemic…when kids are killing themselves…there is something seriously wrong…now isn’t there.

  • Mccoy_naia

    When I was growing up…you never, ever heard of anyone committing suicide over bullying. Not at any of the schools that I attended. It is an epidemic that is killing innocent children! And teachers, social workers, school nurses and principles are all partly to blame for there DO NOTHING ATTITUDES. If a school has issues like these> INVESTIGATE THEM and then fire the appropriate teachers, principles that are involved. Clean up the schools! This has gotten way out of control because of APATHY. And you know what else, kids did not let other kids bully one another…they did something! What kind of apathetic people have we created in this society?

  • Mccoy_naia

    When I was growing up…you never, ever heard of anyone committing suicide over bullying. Not at any of the schools that I attended. It is an epidemic that is killing innocent children! And teachers, social workers, school nurses and principles are all partly to blame for there DO NOTHING ATTITUDES. If a school has issues like these> INVESTIGATE THEM and then fire the appropriate teachers, principles that are involved. Clean up the schools! This has gotten way out of control because of APATHY. And you know what else, kids did not let other kids bully one another…they did something! What kind of apathetic people have we created in this society?

  • Me

    My respect for her just went up 1000 fold. If she can use her fame to bring this issue to forefront and maybe do something bravo. Forget the cynical attitudes, this is not about her promoting herself.

  • Danny

    Sometimes she does do things with her name and try to gain a lot of attention through things but I don’t believe that’s the case here. This seems nearly impossible, but it is a big issue and it’s great that it’s getting much more awareness.

  • Sindee

    i dont want to start a riot or anything but your not born gay. its where you grow up and see whats around you that make you the individual you are. Im not hating on anyone im not racist nor do i hate gays. I have gay people in my life so dont go there. but thats what i think. As for lady gaga i think she just feels that she has to do something because in the video the kid said he loved her. Bullying is not a desease, its going to happen no matter what. Just like racism. You cant stop it no matter how many people believe that it will end it never will. there will always be hatred towards people and theres really nothing you can do to prevent it.

  • Xrmr

    Even if she is promoting herself, she’s still doing something about it. And so far, seems like she’s the only one.

  • Anonymous

    I am no longer a fan of Gaga’s music career because I don’t like her new music route or the way she portrayed homosexuals in her Alejandro/Paparazzi video, in her videos she portrays homosexuals as sexual deviants who wear high heels etc and that is not the case. I wish she would’ve went the route of Christian A. in her music video “Beautiful” or even the likes of Pink. Where ignorance can be squashed with the images of love, that two homosexual people can love each other and that who are we as a society to deny that? This is why I think many people believe she uses the homosexual community as a platform. With that said, I will say that I have respect for Lady Gaga’s activism and throughout her career she has made gay rights her number one priority which I respect even if I don’t agree with the way she shows it in her music videos. The sad truth is that bullying is happening in our schools, workplace etc. The problem IMO is deep rooted depression, this needs to be tackled and I think kids today should know that it’s okay to talk about your feelings. We live in such a fast paced environment we forget how to communicate with our children, friends and spouses. Instead of calling and hearing someone’s voice, we’d rather text or facebook people. Sometimes all it takes is a look in the eyes to know someone isn’t okay. I feel for the gay community but depression should be addressed here, because you can’t stop bullying I’m sorry but you can’t. All you can do is control how you react to it and know you’re self worth, know that you have to stand up for yourself because in this day and age no one can fight your battle s for you all the time. There should also be more awareness of where these kids can turn too when they have suicidal thoughts, who cares if other people think you are crazy, seek help. Takes a strong person to admit/face their problems than running away from them!
    Parent’s need to be there for their children and so do the teachers etc. I was bullied for much of my elementary and middle school years, it wasn’t until high school where I stopped taking everyone’s crap and sometimes a good tongue lashing needs to be put into place or in some rare cases a good bitch slap is needed. I can only imagine the desperation this boy felt but if only he could’ve went to another school or even get into some therapy, I think that would’ve helped him. People harp on therapy a lot but sometimes it really can work miracles. As someone has said though, I too believe bullying will be around forever like racism/sexism/etc. its a damn shame but that’s just how some people operate. The only thing we can do is stop it when we see it, report it and not participate. Hopefully those actions will deter others from doing it but unfortunately it won’t stop everyone. I realize I wrote a huge book but this post is just so heartbreaking, may that poor baby R.I.P.

  • J_lyn

    Too weak to handle bullying? Well that is the strangest thing I have heard today. Bullying should not be happening! Children should not have to be strong and endure the emotional, physical and psychological effects of bullying. You must not have ever experienced what it feels like to be taunted, ridiculed and laughed at continuously for no reason, or you would not make a statement like that. Bulling is wrong, people who bully other people really have issues within themselves that they are not strong enough to handle so they take it out on someone smaller then themselves, or different from what they class as normal. Being strong has absolutely nothing to do with bullying. A bully is just a weak person taking out their problems on someone else to take the spotlight of themselves. Seriously if you think that kids who are being tormented are weak, then you really need to take a step back and look at yourself. Bullying has to stop, and maybe if bullying was an offence, punishable by the law then people would think twice before they try to ruin the lives of others with this kind of abuse. I don’t care If Lady Gaga is trying to get publicity for herself or not, as long as along the way she does something to help eradicate bullying from kids lives. Our children should being dying because of this issue!

  • J_lyn

    I would like your post a thousand times if I could!!!!

  • Krysten Donnay

    “people are just too weak to handle it”-Jen. Spoken like a true bully. You are the exact reason why this continues. Disgusting.

  • Anonymous

    People are to too weak to handle bullying? What an uninformed remark.

  • Kita

    Look at you guys right now. This is why it’s hard to stop bullying because theirs always gotta be a argument behind something.

  • LoGen

    Jen, yes there are many movements against bullying, and if there are strict laws maybe it will help. It is negitive thinking like yours, that is harmful. I am not a Gaga fan but she has done so many positive things with her power. At least there is someone out there that is giving these children hope, the amount of suicides from bullying is alarming.

  • Me

    Arguing and bullying are not the same thing Kita.

  • RIP Sweet Jamey

    I just find it funny how people are picking on Gaga for bringing the bullying issue to the President. It’s like no matter what she does (regardless of how gracious it may be) someone always has to challenge it. At least she’s fucking doing something to help, unlike your fave who is sitting back watching it all unfold and slapping on stupid sob meanings to their music when it seems appropriate. I guess I am just not able to grasp how anyone can hate her. Lady Gaga as a person. Forget about the music and forget about the fashion. If you took a look into what a genuine person she is, you would get it. It makes me so mad how people praise the one’s who do absolutely nothing to help those who need it, but rebuke the one person who actually gives a fuck..

    At least give her credit for trying. Bullying can be controlled. Bullying can be stopped. If you make the consequences for bullying serious, like a no tolerance type thing, kids would stop. Kick them out of school, send them to jail, take them to court, etc. With consequences like THAT, kids will learn.

  • Justice4Jamey

    DEAD ON!!!!! Good for you and well said. Sadly kids can’t go home after school and forget about it – they are followed by our high tech ways. Being bullied on FB/twitter/myspace etc…. I was bullied as a kid and in JR high I became the bully… To this day I feel guilt and regert for how I bullied some kids. I thought it was fair, do it to me I do it to you. I am so glad I am not a kid today but makes me scared for my 1 year old son. What is it going to be like for him? Way to go Gaga – you are truely an amazing lady – speaking out and up for people they way you have. Use your name to the fullest extent.

  • Me

    It’s cynicism to say she’s just using this tragedy. What she’s doing is finally saying “enough is enough” and she’s able to do something that these holier than thou people who slam her could never do. I say all power to her, as someone who was bullied myself I hope some good comes out of it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Lavon-Dunaway/100001160162321 Lavon Dunaway

    The day I heard about this horrible tragedy, I cried all day. Now I’m ready to fight. Lady Gaga is not only one of THE best performers I have ever seen in my 58 years on this planet, but she puts it where her mouth is. This hurt all of us, my Lady. I know it hurt you too. Hang in there. We all must hang in there. Only WE can truly see that It Gets Better. This was a heartbreak and I commend Gaga for her outspoken work on this issue. Remember Love.

  • Mellie161921

    If everyone thought like this nothing will ever change…I Hope you are never found “weak”

  • Mellie161921

    As if Lady Gaga needs to get her name out there…Hello, She has more tweets than the President!

  • http://twitter.com/FamousZee MissZee

    his death shouldn’t be ignored…but there were FAR more deaths before him and no one spoke up for them..he’s only different because he was in her music video

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_EVLVSDL66PTAMFPHKA6UPLN5II Clarissa O

    Spoken like a true bully.

  • Tern

    I have messaged on her fan site a hope, that her definition of hate crime will include TV comedies that take the bully’s side and treat it as a joke against the victim’s character. Can there be any more extreme example than in the cult status and oft-repeated 80s British comedy Blackadder 2? Bullying, for easily targetted features that are not his fault and could apply to real kids whose peers are watching the show, was given as the reason for the character of a comic villain seeking world conquest. It was also in a way that would help to enforce boys not to wear shorts for fear of bullying, i.e. the TV helping to bully them out of it by helping to bully any boys stepping out of peer group line. Every showing of Blackadder on TV was a national pogrom, a mass scale endangerment for children an incitement and inflaming of violence in their lives, and an invitation to bullies to find the expected effect on their victims a joke. Its endorsement of blaming the victim places it on the same level as the Nazi silhouette film that glorified racial violence in the streets. No voice in media or politics has ever spoken out about it in 25 years since it was made, and some of its cast have become multimillionaires. Their fortunes want seizing just like you would seize the proceeds of drug barons, and used in work on recovery from bullying.

  • Tern

    I have messaged on her fan site a hope, that her definition of hate crime will include TV comedies that take the bully’s side and treat it as a joke against the victim’s character. Can there be any more extreme example than in the cult status and oft-repeated 80s British comedy Blackadder 2? Bullying, for easily targetted features that are not his fault and could apply to real kids whose peers are watching the show, was given as the reason for the character of a comic villain seeking world conquest. It was also in a way that would help to enforce boys not to wear shorts for fear of bullying, i.e. the TV helping to bully them out of it by helping to bully any boys stepping out of peer group line. Every showing of Blackadder on TV was a national pogrom, a mass scale endangerment for children an incitement and inflaming of violence in their lives, and an invitation to bullies to find the expected effect on their victims a joke. Its endorsement of blaming the victim places it on the same level as the Nazi silhouette film that glorified racial violence in the streets. No voice in media or politics has ever spoken out about it in 25 years since it was made, and some of its cast have become multimillionaires. Their fortunes want seizing just like you would seize the proceeds of drug barons, and used in work on recovery from bullying.

  • Corey

    To Jen and others before her, who assume that Lady Gaga is doing this ‘for publicity’; if you listen to her and follow her dialog (even during the concert); and if you have a loving and caring soul, you would see that reflection in this wonderful, caring, talented and compassionate entertainer. Jamey’s suicide has hurt her to the depths of her being, and it is quite obvious. Please be more aware and positive about your fellow human being who is diligently working for a better life for so many! God Bless your soul, Jamey Rodemeyer, may your family one day have some peace over this; and God Bless you Lady Gaga for your spirit, drive and intellect, you are an inspiration to so many and I believe you are going to make a great difference for the good! Thanks!
    - – - In addition, to Sindee and those who say that a gay person “is not born this way,” is your statement based upon an advanced medical degree or factual genetic research?
    Paws Up 4 Jamey, and Lady Gaga! -Corey

  • http://www.facebook.com/sherry.arias1 Sherry Arias

    i think its absaloutelty crazy that people bully these bueatiful babies just because of there sexuality Thats so Wrong on so many levels . So what if he was bi or gay its no one buissness when we are supoose to Love one another instead yous hate on one another !!!! Why ??? Cause you can ? or Is it cause your bored got nothing better to do ! your pathetic seriously all the bullys need to stop this Madness !!!
    JAMEY I DIDN’T KNOW YOU BUT I DO LOVE YOU AND HOPE YOUR HAPPIER WHERE YOU ARE NOW WITH THE ANGELS !! GOD BLESS YOU MY SWEET CHILD !!!! STOP BULLYING .
    #MAKEALAWFORJAMEY

  • http://www.facebook.com/sherry.arias1 Sherry Arias

    STOP THE BULLYING ! #MAKEALAWFORJAMEY !!!
    CUT THE CRAP AND BE REAL AND STOP BULLYING !

  • http://twitter.com/LilMonsterxoxox Saychelle

    You’re obviously the naive one…she was bullied many times in her life including being thrown into dumpsters by guys…she isn’t doing this for fame.

  • Laman90036

    The only way to stop bullying is to stop the bullies
    Personally I feel we must kill the bullies to send the message
    There is no other way period !
    If they start dying then others will think twice if at all
    It is the only solution
    There is no room for evil people in the world.
    Why are we loosing the beautiful ones. It’s not right !
    We must follow thru

  • Lagirl1

    Seriously .? She is the most famous person in the world basically. The last thing she needs is promotion
    Get real !!!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JZRAZOYUAGAZUSFIHGCLQSIN7M Leanne Allen

    People are too weak to handle it? Let me tell you something Jen. I am 13 years old. Teenage girl. I have 7 disorders: Depression, ADD, ADHD, OCD, Severe Anxiety Disorder, Tourettes Syndrome and Bulimia. I am weak, for needing to see a therapist, because people think I’m a ‘freak’, or ‘emo’, and it causes me to hurt myself, because THEY called me these things? I am weak, because I happen to have these disorders, and society is so messed up, that I am looked down upon? I honestly think you need to recheck your message. I know people have their own opinion, but that is more than an opinion, that’s more like telling everyone that they are wrong, and you are right. I am a victim of serious bullying, and I, myself, have attempted suicide 4 times, due to bullying. So now I am the weak one? I cut myself, and am seeking treatment, because of these bullies. I hate life because of these bullies. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will only cause permanent psychological damage. I am standing up for the people that are bullied every day of their life! It ruins people. I know people will probably just scroll past my comment, but really, take the time to think about the fact that every 40 seconds, a teen commits suicide. Every FORTY SECONDS! I am so sorry if you feel otherwise about anything I’ve just said, but this is just what I felt I had to say.

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