Lady Gaga says she’s been ‘sexually exploited’ by men in the music industry

Lady Gaga has had to endure sexual advances and "awful experiences" while trying to make it in the music business.

Speaking to The Times, she said: "I've had really awful experiences with men in the studio. Made me very uncomfortable. I didn't feel like I was being cherished for my vocal talents but was seen more as someone to take advantage of."

She was then asked if the advances were of a sexual nature, she said: "Yes. And I don't have to elaborate, but when women who are in the business that are young read this article I hope [they realise] that you do not have to put up with that.

"And I hope to be an inspiration that if you're talented enough, you can work hard and achieve your dreams."

Lady Gaga hinted at her previous experience of sexual abuse in her track Swine, which she described as alluding to "the more troubling and challenging sexual experiences I had earlier in my life”.

Here's a gallery of Lady Gaga's artRAVE tour