28-year old pop star Lady Gaga claimed that when she was starting her music career, she had to put up with men in the industry trying to take advantage of her in a sexual way. She stated that she is opening up about the dark side of the industry because she wants aspiring young singers to be aware of what goes on behind the scenes.

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Lady Gaga made her admissions in an interview with "The Times" newspaper.

The singer confessed that she has had terrible experiences with men while working in the studio. A number of them made her feel extremely uncomfortable. She felt that she was only seen as someone who could be taken advantage of, rather than someone who had talent.

The singer shared that when she said that she was taken advantage of, the advances made on her were of a sexual nature. However, Lady Gaga refused to elaborate, but did relay that young women who want to make it in the music industry shouldn't feel that they have to accept the harassment.

Lady Gaga added that she wanted to be an inspiration to others that talent and hard work will help in achieving one's dreams; but that there are "a lot of sharks" to be wary of.

The singer, who is currently on her "ArtRave: The Artpop Ball" tour, shared that by being aware of "sharks", aspiring singers will be better equipped to stand up for and protect themselves.

Lady Gaga, who considers herself a strong feminist, shared, that she had to go through a lot before she rose to fame. She doesn't want people to think that everything was just handed to her, saying, "It was certainly not like that ... I'm certainly a feminist. A feminist to me is somebody that wishes to protect the integrity of women who are ambitious. A feminist in my opinion is somebody that regards that women have strong intelligence and wisdom. That we are just as great as men - and some of us can be even better.''