Lady Gaga Apologizes For Using the Word ‘Retarded’ in NME Feature

Lady Gaga has issued an apology after using the word "retarded" in her recent NME cover story. Gaga was responding to accusations of plagiarizing her music, since so many critics deemed 'Born This Way' to be a little too similar to Madonna's 'Express Yourself' for their liking, and she called the charges "retarded."

In the article, Gaga is quoted as saying, "I'm a songwriter. I've written loads of music. Why would I try to put out a song and think I'm getting one over on everybody? That's retarded."

Since Gaga opens her well-toned arms to all walks of life, especially to the LGBT community and those who are bullied or picked on for being different, she offered a sincere apology via Perez Hilton, acknowledging that using such a sensitive word is at odds with her open-mindedness and her acceptance of a variety of social causes.

"My apologies for not speaking thoughtfully. I consider it part of my life's work and music to push the boundaries of love and acceptance. To anyone that was hurt, please know that it was furiously unintentional," Gaga said in the statement.

Gaga added, "An honest mistake, requires honesty to make," and even quoted her song, 'Born This Way,' saying, "Whether life's disabilities left you outcast, bullied or teased, rejoice and love yourself today."

With an apology that heartfelt, how could anyone hold Gaga's unfortunate word choice against her? Moving right along...