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After a Powerful Oscars Performance, Lady Gaga and Jaime King Share Their Survivor Stories

By Courtney Enlow | Celebrity | March 2, 2016 |

By Courtney Enlow | Celebrity | March 2, 2016 |

Sunday night at the Oscars, Lady Gaga performed her nominated song “Til It Happens to You” from The Hunting Ground, an incredibly powerful ballad about sexual assault. As a survivor herself, Gaga was noticeably emotional during her performance.

Yesterday, she posted a photo on Instagram with a similarly emotional, but equally inspirational story.

My grandmother (in the middle) and my Aunt Sheri (on the right) both called me the day after the Oscars because I never told them I was a survivor. I was too ashamed. Too afraid. And it took me a long time to even admit it to myself because I'm Catholic and I knew it was evil but I thought it was my fault. I thought it was my fault for ten years. The morning after the Oscars when I talked to my grandmother Ronnie, with tears in her eyes I could hear them welling through the phone she said to me "My darling granddaughter, I've never been more proud of you than I am today." Something I have kept a secret for so long that I was more ashamed of than anything— became the thing the women in my life were the most proud of. And not just any women, the ones I look up to the most. #BeBrave #speakup #tilithappenstoyou

A photo posted by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on

My grandmother (in the middle) and my Aunt Sheri (on the right) both called me the day after the Oscars because I never told them I was a survivor. I was too ashamed. Too afraid. And it took me a long time to even admit it to myself because I’m Catholic and I knew it was evil but I thought it was my fault. I thought it was my fault for ten years. The morning after the Oscars when I talked to my grandmother Ronnie, with tears in her eyes I could hear them welling through the phone she said to me “My darling granddaughter, I’ve never been more proud of you than I am today.” Something I have kept a secret for so long that I was more ashamed of than anything— became the thing the women in my life were the most proud of. And not just any women, the ones I look up to the most.

The performance has had a lingering effect in the days since, letting other survivors come forward with their stories. Survivors like actress Jaime King.

SURVIVOR - Thank you @kyle_newman for loving me whole | My children | @lenadunham for her relentless bravery that always leads my Spirit to stand up| Dr. Randy Harris for YEARS of empathy | Michael Hayes @awaketolove ~ there are no words | Dr. Allan Phillips | @erikaklein | @ladygaga | #DianeWarren for breaking me whole last night and tonight| TS I love you for being there no matter what| Thank you to the only people I have told | Thank you to @damhave ~ you know why | Thank you @hooligandreamer| Thank you @amandadecadenet | Thank you to @unwomen & all organizations that have tirelessly worked to somehow comfort & make right | Thank you to myself to not choosing to not make this a cover story though that was what was suggested to me but to express from my heart to you all personally which felt the most honest way for me to speak | Thank you to my Soul, body, mind, emotions, my inner child, my younger self, I love you. It's a night of celebration, of change, of not being ashamed of your race, creed color, situation, circumstances and environment, or past. Now I am free, somewhat. Thank you for the switch that went off inside finally when I realized my silence said I cannot help nor change and that is not who I am. I love you all very much for creating a safe space. The time is now. I was about 14 here, it started at 12. Peace Be Still ❤️

A photo posted by Jaime King (@jaime_king) on

“Thank you to my Soul, body, mind, emotions, my inner child, my younger self, I love you. It’s a night of celebration, of change, of not being ashamed of your race, creed color, situation, circumstances and environment, or past. Now I am free, somewhat. Thank you for the switch that went off inside finally when I realized my silence said I cannot help nor change and that is not who I am. I love you all very much for creating a safe space. The time is now. I was about 14 here, it started at 12. Peace Be Still”

Kesha also tweeted her support following Gaga’s performance.

I won’t taint these displays of bravery with the response of Kesha’s alleged abuser, Dr. Luke, but you can read that yourself if you want. Fuck that guy.