Lady Gaga’s new Instagram promo has caused controversy online, with fans dubbing the singer a “Big Pharma sellout.”
On April 9, the pop star—born Stefani Germanotta—shared her latest commercial with Nurtec ODT, a migraine drug produced by the pharmaceutical brand Pfizer, which created a COVID-19 vaccine with the German biotech BioNTech.
In recent years, celebrities who have partnered with the company have been criticized online by vaccine skeptics and conspiracy theorists.
In the promo video, Gaga said: “Hi, everybody. It’s L.G. I just wanted to come on and talk to you a little bit about my partnership with Nurtec.”
Jeff Kravitz/Filmmagic
“I have had migraine for a long time, and I really wish that I had found Nurtec ODT sooner,” the singer and actor said in the video.
“If you’re suffering with migraine, I know that we might have lots of different careers and different backgrounds, but we share this thing in common,” she added.
The Joker: Folie à Deux star said it felt good to recommend the medication to her fans, telling viewers to discuss the option with their doctors.
“I hope you feel better soon,” Gaga added, blowing a kiss to the camera.
In the caption, Gaga said she was “grateful to shine a light on the migraine community” and shared safety information about the drug and its possible side effects.
Newsweek has contacted Lady Gaga for comment via email.
However, the partnership has caused outrage in the video’s comments section, with several Instagram users accusing the Grammy winner of selling out.
One commenter wrote, “Remember when you said you didn’t want to be just a money making machine?”
“What a downgrade from what values you used to have and display,” another added.
“Less lady pharma more lady gaga,” a user wrote.
Another said, “Girl I love you but please stop.”
“Bought and paid for by the pharmaceutical companies just like everyone else,” a commenter added.
Others criticized Gaga for working with Pfizer, with one user writing, “How about no to Pfizer or anything affiliated with them.”
“Pfizer paying celebs to poison the masses,” another wrote.
A commenter added, “Blink twice if you’re being held against your will by big pharma!”
“You’re losing the trust,” another said.
Other commenters praised the “Stupid Love” singer for raising awareness of the health issue.
“As a migraine sufferer myself, I really appreciate you bringing attention to this,” a user wrote. “Migraines are horrible and disruptive and I rely on medication. Thank you for shining some light on migraine treatment.”
“Queen of medicine,” another said.
“GAGA WE LOVE YOU,” a commenter added.
This is the second time Gaga has collaborated with Pfizer to promote Nurtec ODT. Her first commercial for the drug was released in June and sparked a similar backlash online.
Other celebrities who have been criticized over their partnerships with Pfizer include the football star Travis Kelce.
In September, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end starred in a commercial advising people to get their flu shot and their next COVID-19 booster, which he shared on his Instagram account.
He received backlash from conservative figures and conspiracy theorists, such as the Outkick host Tomi Lahren, comedian Rob Schneider and country singer John Rich. Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets quarterback, labeled him “Mr. Pfizer.”
In January 2023, the singer Pink, actress Jean Smart, record producer Questlove and Olympian Michael Phelps, among others, also caused uproar among vaccine skeptics after joining Pfizer’s “Know Plan Go” campaign.
The initiative encouraged people in high-risk groups to put together a health care plan with their providers to prevent serious illness, with the featured celebrities more likely to develop severe COVID-19 if infected.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.