Target has responded to Lady Gaga over statements she made related to her nixed deal to sell a special edition of her upcoming album at the retail giant.
The Advocate reported on Tuesday that the singer wasn't comfortable when she learned that Target donated corporate funds to MN Forward, a political action committee that supported anti-gay candidate Tom Emmer in his failed 2010 run for Minnesota governor.
"We were very surprised and disappointed by the statements made by Lady Gaga's organization related to her partnership with Target," the company said in a statement late Wednesday, as reported by The New York Times. "Target remains committed to the LGBT community as demonstrated by our contributions to various LGBT organizations, our recently established Policy Committee to review our political giving and our respectful, inclusive workplace environment."
My question is this: how could Lady Gaga (or her management) NOT know about the Tom Emmer fiasco? It was widely reported, even by me. Plus, Gaga had previously told Billboard that her relationship with Target was tied to its "reform ... and to redeem the mistakes they've made supporting those [anti-gay] groups", which seems to indicate she DID know about the Emmer indicent beforehand.
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2 comments:
"How could she not know?" Indeed. Perhaps those drug rumors have some merit. Or like all celebs she wants to stir things up for the publicity.
I always respect musicians and actors best when they stick to their craft and stop trying to show everyone how "political" they are. Getting political plus not having facts straight = major eyeroll.
Gaga's music and style are epic. She's amazing and should stick with what works.
Lady Gaga did know about the previous donations, but it has also come to light that they (Target Co. and individual executives at the Co.) have continued to make similar donations even after the last exposure and controversy. Target still refuses to make amends or even admit doing anything that could be construed as against the LGBT community, and newly sued a group that was collecting signatures (concerning gay marriage equality) at Target store fronts. Target continues to claim that the they donate to LGBT causes (though not in the amounts that were provided to MN Forward) and provide a equal work environment and non-discrimination policies. Which is lovely except that those corporate dollars donated of course do much to undermine their own store policies in the real world.
I applaud Lady Gaga, and anyone who takes a stand for what they believe in. I still will not shop at Target. That may not last forever, I will probably crumble before Target makes it right. But there are only so many places to shop. I still love Target as a concept. I would love to bring my custom there, but Target needs to make this right. If they continue this kind of political spending, I will continue to avoid Target and ask others to do the same.
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