Warning: This article addresses instances of sexual misconduct involving minors. Please read at your own discretion.
In the sphere of pop music, even the most prominent artists find it necessary to reassess their body of work, influenced by artistic evolution, societal changes, and public sentiment. Lady Gaga, a multifaceted performer renowned for transcending boundaries and engaging with controversies, recently made the bold decision to remove a notable track from her discography.
While it’s common for musicians to remix or rework their songs, permanently erasing a successful track is an uncommon move, as it often means negating an entire chapter of their artistic journey. Gaga’s thoughtful decision to withdraw this contentious song sparked a broader dialogue about the implications of reflection and accountability within pop culture.
Lady Gaga Removed “Do What U Want”From Streaming Services
Context of the Removal Following the R. Kelly Documentary
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Gaga’s staunch advocacy for survivors of sexual assault is well-documented, and her personal experiences in 2013 marked a tumultuous period in her life as she grappled with trauma. To effectively align her actions with her advocacy, she chose to remove the song, which had ties to the controversial figure, R. Kelly.
I stand by anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual assault: pic.twitter.com/67sz4WpV3i — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) January 10, 2019
Amidst the rising scrutiny surrounding Kelly, Gaga affirmed her belief in the accounts of the women who had bravely come forward. The accumulating evidence and testimonies against him were irrefutable. Ultimately, in 2021, Kelly was convicted on severe federal offenses, including racketeering and sex trafficking in New York, followed by further charges in Chicago related to child pornography and the enticement of minors.
Earlier this year, a federal appeals court maintained his 30-year prison sentence, emphasizing that Kelly’s exploitation of his celebrity status had persisted for over two decades, as stated in the court’s ruling (PBS).
Alternative Version of “Do What U Want”Remains Available
A Reimagined Version Featuring Christina Aguilera
In 2019, Gaga re-released her album ARTPOP, substituting the original “Do What U Want” with a new rendition featuring Christina Aguilera, allowing listeners to enjoy the album without the controversial association. This strategic alteration not only liberated the song from its previous context but also empowered the narrative through Aguilera’s impressive vocal performance. Aguilera highlighted the song’s message by stating: “If anything, the message of this song remains that although you may have had my body, you will never have my heart, my voice, my life, or my mind” (source).
This is a reminder of women sticking together and not letting a man take ownership of a great song/moment… And if anything, the message of this song remains that although you may have had my body, you will never have my heart, my voice my life or my mind. pic.twitter.com/fb4TdeR4eQ — Christina Aguilera (@xtina) January 11, 2019
As the cultural environment evolves, so do the identities of artists, both personally and publicly. Lady Gaga‘s actions signify a transformative approach to how artists reconcile their past works with current societal values, especially when faced with confronting realities.