Stephanie Mills says an unpleasant encounter with Lady Gaga left such a bad impression that she still believes the pop superstar owes her an apology.
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The Grammy Award-winning R&B legend did not hold back while discussing Gaga during an appearance on BET’s “The Jason Lee Show.” In a preview for the full interview, Mills shared her feelings about the singer and explained why a past interaction changed how she viewed the international superstar.“I feel like Lady Gaga is a culture vulture,” Mills said during the conversation.
The accusation immediately put their alleged interaction under scrutiny, especially considering Mills’ decades of contributions to R&B, soul music, and Broadway. However, the singer made it clear that her criticism came from a personal experience rather than simply disliking Gaga’s music or public image.
Stephanie Mills recalled being approached about making a surprise appearance for Gaga during a fashion photo shoot in New York City.
Mills explained that a former manager informed her that Gaga supposedly loved her signature song, “Home.” The arrangement involved Mills showing up and performing the beloved record for the pop star.
Although she was initially hesitant about the request, Mills eventually agreed to participate.
What was supposed to be a special musical moment allegedly became an uncomfortable experience.
During the interview, Mills claimed Gaga showed little enthusiasm when she performed the song. Instead of receiving the warm response she anticipated, the veteran entertainer described feeling as though her presence was unwelcome.
“She looked at me like I had two heads,” Mills recalled.
For Stephanie Mills, the disappointment apparently extended beyond Gaga’s reaction to the performance.
Mills alleged that she had not been offered money for the appearance. Instead, the arrangement reportedly involved receiving professional photographs from the photographer working at the shoot.
However, she claimed the situation took another turn when members of Gaga’s team allegedly demanded that photographs taken during the visit be deleted before Mills and her party could leave. Mills maintained that the demand to remove the pictures added to her frustration with the entire encounter.
“[She’s] very disrespectful,” Mills said.
The singer also delivered a direct message to Gaga, making it clear that the incident had not been forgotten.
“I hope you remember what you did. I feel like you owe me an apology.”
Mills did not provide a specific date for the encounter in the accounts reviewed, leaving questions about exactly when the meeting happened and who made the decisions she described.
Her allegations also do not establish that Gaga personally ordered the photographs deleted. That distinction is important because Mills’ account includes actions she attributed to people working around the superstar.
Still, the situation clearly left Stephanie Mills feeling that she had not received the treatment she deserved.
During the conversation, Mills also connected her criticism to Gaga’s professional relationships with Black men. That detail appeared to shape why she used the term “culture vulture” rather than describing the experience as an ordinary celebrity misunderstanding.
Despite the allegations that she was disrespected by Gaga, Mills’ own legacy is cemented within Black history.
Mills originated the role of Dorothy in the original Broadway production of “The Wiz,” which opened in January 1975. The musical became a major theatrical achievement, earning the Tony Award for Best Musical and helping introduce audiences to Mills’ powerful voice.
Her performance of “Home” became one of the defining elements of her career. The song continues to carry significance for audiences who grew up watching “The Wiz.”
Her accomplishments also extend well beyond Broadway.
According to the Recording Academy, Mills won the 1981 Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Never Knew Love Like This Before.” The recognition cemented her success as a recording artist and remains an important milestone in her career.
For an artist whose work helped shape generations of R&B performers, an invitation to deliver a surprise rendition of a signature song could reasonably come with an expectation of professional courtesy.
Neither Gaga nor her team has shared their account of what happened. However, it’s clear Mills is not ready to let the matter go without proper acknowledgment.
