Zombie Boy appeared in the Born This Way (2011) video with the superstar | Photo: Vevo
Lady Gaga paid tribute to Rick Genest, also known as Zombie Boy, on her Twitter on 3 August, following the news of his death.
The two had collaborated on her video for Born This Way, which was also Genest’s big break.
In a tweet, now deleted, the singer implied the model took his own life and prompted everyone in need to seek help.
She wrote:
The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating. We have to work harder to change the culture, bring Mental Health to the forefront and erase the stigma that we can’t talk about it. If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other. pic.twitter.com/THz6x5JlpB
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 3, 2018
Lady Gaga’s apology
After Genest’s management insisted on the sudden death not being a suicide, Gaga took to Twitter again to apologize.
Out of respect for Rick’s family, Rick & his legacy I apologize if I spoke too soon as there was no witnesses or evidence to support any conclusion for the cause of his death. I in no way meant to draw an unjust conclusion My deepest condolences to his entire family and friends. pic.twitter.com/CJ9AdOJ22j
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 4, 2018
‘Out of respect for Rick’s family, Rick & his legacy I apologize if I spoke too soon,’ she tweeted.
She pointed out ‘there was no witnesses or evidence to support any conclusion for the cause of his death’.
‘I in no way meant to draw an unjust conclusion,’ she also said.
The art made with Zombie Boy was ‘sacred’ to Gaga
The Bad Romance singer also tweeted to explain the reasons behind her original tribute.
The art we made was sacred to me and I was emotional, he was an incredible artist and his art and heart will live on. Rest In Peace 🙏 You beautiful soul. pic.twitter.com/0gXTJ6cHYB
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 4, 2018
‘The art we made was sacred to me and I was emotional, he was an incredible artist and his art and heart will live on,’ she added.
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