🚨 Ageism, homophobia, and the degradation of women are what Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball Tour showcases by insulting women in music like Madonna and Katy Perry in front of thousands of people at her concerts.

In a storm of controversy ignited by her latest live performances, pop superstar Lady Gaga is facing fierce backlash over alleged comments and behavior during her Mayhem Ball Tour that many critics and fans have described as ageist, homophobic, and degrading to fellow women in music. What was marketed as a triumphant return to the stage after years of musical reinvention and cinematic success has, for some, become a troubling display of ego, exclusion, and contradiction to the empowerment message Gaga has long claimed to champion.

As videos circulate online from several dates of the tour—often with thousands in attendance—Lady Gaga appears to mock, dismiss, or indirectly shade fellow female artists, including Madonna and Katy Perry. These moments have sparked a wave of commentary from fans, music critics, and cultural analysts alike, many of whom are questioning whether Gaga’s theatrical provocations have crossed a line into targeted and harmful behavior.

A Night Meant for Celebration Turns Sour for Many

Gaga’s Mayhem Ball Tour, intended as a raucous celebration of individuality and pop spectacle, has stunned even longtime fans with the harsh tone of some of her commentary during interludes. In multiple videos captured by fans, Gaga is heard taking veiled jabs at “aging pop stars clinging to youth,” and references “plastic pop” artists who “sell candy-colored mediocrity.”

Though not named explicitly in every instance, the references have been widely interpreted as digs at Madonna—whom Gaga has long had a strained relationship with—and Katy Perry, a fellow chart-topper often compared to Gaga in terms of style, fan base, and commercial appeal. In one instance, Gaga reportedly laughed off comparisons by saying:

“I’m not here to make TikTok bops and perfume commercials. I make art.”

The implication that others in her field do not is what many found offensive, particularly given how Madonna and Perry have both used their platforms to address gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and artistic freedom—core causes that Gaga herself frequently aligns with.

Accusations of Ageism: A Direct Shot at Madonna?

The ageist undertones of Gaga’s commentary have especially angered fans of Madonna, who remains an active performer well into her 60s. Gaga has previously denied feuding with Madonna, though fans recall her 2011 hit “Born This Way” being compared heavily to Madonna’s “Express Yourself,” and a decade-long media-fueled tension between the two stars.

While Lady Gaga is known for her confrontational performance style and flair for the dramatic, critics argue that targeting another woman for aging in the public eye reeks of internalized misogyny—a criticism particularly potent in an industry that constantly pits women against each other while giving male artists like Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney near-universal reverence in their senior years.

Music journalist Amber Singh of Pop Pulse wrote:

“To dismiss an older woman in music as irrelevant or desperate isn’t just a jab at Madonna—it’s a jab at every woman who dares to age with defiance and dignity in an industry obsessed with youth.”

Degradation of Women: Competitive or Cruel?

Gaga’s recent jabs also shine a light on how female rivalry—real or perceived—is often exacerbated and monetized by the music industry. However, when it’s perpetuated by the artists themselves, especially ones who built careers on the rhetoric of sisterhood and empowerment, it can feel particularly jarring.

Fans online have pointed out that Gaga’s career has benefited greatly from a feminist, pro-woman image. Her work with sexual assault survivors (“Til It Happens to You”), her advocacy for women’s rights, and her statements against misogyny have earned her respect as a boundary-breaking voice. That’s why some feel her comments about fellow female artists undercut her own legacy.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:

“Lady Gaga made millions preaching inclusivity. Now she’s on stage tearing down the very women who paved the way for her? Make it make sense.”

Accusations of Homophobia: Subtle, But Harmful?

Perhaps the most surprising and delicate accusation surrounding Gaga’s recent behavior is that of homophobia—directed not at LGBTQ+ people, but at other artists’ perceived appeals to queer audiences. Some interpret Gaga’s critiques of “rainbow-colored branding” and “corporate queer-baiting” as subtle digs at stars like Katy Perry, whose 2008 hit I Kissed a Girl and subsequent releases have been scrutinized in recent years for playing into stereotypes without meaningful advocacy.

While Gaga has long been celebrated as a queer icon herself—particularly after the success of Born This Way and her vocal support of LGBTQ+ rights—some feel that using “authenticity” as a weapon against other artists who also court LGBTQ+ audiences feels disingenuous, and even gatekeeping.

Writer and LGBTQ+ commentator Marcus LeClair noted:

“Queerness isn’t a contest. Gaga criticizing other artists for not being ‘queer enough’ or ‘real enough’ does more harm than good. The community needs allies and diversity, not purity tests.”

Fan Reactions: Divided and Emotional

Not surprisingly, fans are deeply divided over the incidents. Some have defended Gaga, suggesting her statements are being taken out of context or are part of her satirical stage persona. Others argue that satire or not, the effect is real—and damaging.

A long-time “Little Monster” (as Gaga fans are known) posted:

“I’ve loved Gaga for years, but watching her tear down other women live on stage? That’s not the Gaga I believed in.”

Meanwhile, Madonna and Katy Perry have yet to respond publicly to the remarks, though their fanbases have made their anger loud and clear across social media platforms.

Where Does Gaga Go From Here?

Lady Gaga has built a legacy on performance, provocation, and pushing boundaries. But with great influence comes great responsibility. Critics argue that even if her statements are meant as satire, they contribute to a toxic narrative that pits women against each other, shames aging, and devalues diverse forms of pop expression.

In the age of accountability, many fans are calling for Gaga to reflect publicly on the impact of her words. Others hope she will clarify the intent behind her remarks and reaffirm her commitment to the very values she once inspired millions to embrace.

As one viral post summed it up:

“You can be the Mother Monster and still say sorry. We all grow. We all misstep. We just hope you remember what made us love you in the first place.”

Conclusion:

The Mayhem Ball Tour may have been designed to showcase Lady Gaga’s theatrical prowess and musical genius, but the controversy it’s generating may leave a longer-lasting impact than any light show or high note. As pop culture continues to evolve, so too must its icons—and that includes owning up when the message misses the mark.

Whether Gaga addresses the backlash or doubles down on her defiance remains to be seen, but the conversation she’s sparked isn’t going away anytime soon. And perhaps that, too, is part of the mayhem.