Lady Gaga news reported how the court has ordered $73 Million to be awarded to the songwriter who discovered the "Poker Face" singer.
According to a report from Billboard, the court has sided with singer-songwriter Wendy Starland, who filed a lawsuit against the pop star's former producer, Rob Fusari. The case was filed amid allegations that Wendy Starland was not properly compensated and acknowledged by the Grammy-winning producer for discovering Lady Gaga.
"Fusari asked me to find an artist under the age of 25 who could be the female equivalent to the lead singer of The Strokes," Wendy Starland narrated.
"I had attended about 50 live performances and searched for countless hours online before finding an artist who fit the bill."
"I only brought Rob Fusari one artist for us to work with...and that artist became Lady Gaga," she added.
As Lady Gaga made news and released one hit single after another, Wendy Fusari claims Rob Fusari started to change the terms of their agreement.
"The original deal we made was in 2005. Rob had made several promises to honor our agreement," she said.
"(Then he) attempted to alter it in late 2008 (or) early 2009. I was incredibly surprised when he did that."
A legal battle soon ensued, and even Lady Gaga herself testified that Wendy Starland indeed played a huge part in introducing her to Rob Fusari.
"My understanding was that Wendy and him had initially agreed upon 50/50 perhaps before Wendy ever found me," the pop star said in a pre-trial deposition.
"After I was signed to Rob and made music, Rob began to change his mind," Lady Gaga said.
After four years, a federal jury in New Jersey sided with Wendy Starland and ordered Rob Fusari to pay Lady Gaga's discoverer approximately $7.3 million in damages.
"It's incredibly validating. It feels great to be acknowledged for my work in discovering and developing Lady Gaga," Wendy Starland said.
"I knew that the truth was on my side and I felt fortunate that the jury was able to see that," she added.
In related Lady Gaga news, a rep for Rob Fusari said that the producer's camp is very disappointed with the court's decision.
"We are very disappointed with the verdict and are in the process of analyzing our options," Rob Fusari's spokesperson said.
