Update, 9/18: In conjunction with The Hunting Ground, a documentary about campus sexual assault, Lady Gaga has released the powerful video for "Til It Happens to You."
The visuals depict three separate stories of sexual assault, all shown in graphic detail—difficult to watch, but as the trigger warning states, the "emotionally unsettling" scenes "reflect the reality of what is happening daily on college campuses."
"I hope that this PSA, with its raw and truthful portrayals, will send a clear message that we need to support these courageous survivors and end this epidemic plaguing our college campuses," director Catherine Hardwicke said in a statement. Lady Gaga, who tweeted that a portion of the proceeds will go toward survivors' organizations, also reinforced the PSA's closing sentiment of togetherness and understanding.
We hope u feel our love&solidarity through the song & perhaps find some peace in knowing u r not alone through this film #TilItHappensToYouSeptember 18, 2015
Watch the video here.
Original story, 8/22: While in the process of recording a new pop album, Lady Gaga found herself singing a slightly different—and much more emotional—tune.
The singer teamed up with writing legend Diane Warren to pen the ballad "Til It Happens to You," a heartbreaking interpretation of a sexual assault survivor's experience.
After making an impact as the theme for The Hunting Ground (a documentary about campus rape), the song will now be used for a Catherine Hardwicke-directed PSA aimed to "raise awareness for campus sexual assault," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"The video PSA, shot in black and white, casts an emotional spotlight on young women in vulnerable situations that college students will readily recognize," THR explained of the clip, which will be released in the coming weeks as fall semesters begin.
"Till it happens to you, you don't know how it feels / Till It happens to you, you won't know, it won't be real," belts Gaga, who unfortunately does know how it feels. During a December 2014 interview with Howard Stern, she revealed that she'd been raped by a music producer at just 19 years old.
Listen to "Till It Happens to You" below:
-
'Dune: Prophecy' Shows the Bene Gesserit's Rise to Power—Meet the Next Gen Actresses Leading the Max SeriesAnd if you need a refresher on House Atreides and Harkonnen lore, we've got you covered.
-
Prince Andrew's "Anxiety is Through the Roof " Amid Royal Lodge BattleThe royal "is generally very lost," a source claims.
-
Nicole Kidman Addresses the Popular Meme Referencing Her Divorce From Tom Cruise"That wasn't real life."
-
Tate McRae Shares What Music Shaped Her—And What's on Her Playlist NowWith her new album 'So Close to What' out soon, the pop star opens up about her musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
-
The Ascension of Sophie ThatcherWith ‘Heretic’ in theaters and her debut EP out now, the ‘Yellowjackets’ star is believing in herself and her art more than ever.
-
Beyoncé Receives Her First Grammy Nominations in the Country Categories for 'Cowboy Carter'—As She Should HaveQueen Bey is also the most-nominated of an artist this year.
-
2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: Tyla Performs "PUSH 2 START" and "Water"The South African hitmaker performed her new track "PUSH 2 START" and her breakout hit "Water."
-
2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: Cher Performs "Strong Enough" and "Believe"The pop icon headlined the highly anticipated return of the live runway event.
-
2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: Lisa Performs "Rockstar"The BLACKPINK singer kicked off the comeback runaway event with a performance of one of her solo singles.
-
Becky G Shares What Music Shaped Her—And What's on Her Playlist NowWith her new album out soon, the Latin star opens up about her musical preferences.
-
Taylor Swift Had the Sweetest Dedication to Travis Kelce During Her VMAs Acceptance Speech“Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic,” Swift said after winning the Video of the Year award.
