Lady Gaga has stirred controversy after a video surfaced of her kissing trumpet player Brian Newman during a live performance in Las Vegas, sparking debate among fans. The incident occurred during one of Gaga’s Enigma shows at the Park Theater on June 15.
In the video, Gaga is seen gazing affectionately at Newman before sharing a brief kiss after singing the line, “Darling, kiss me!” The moment quickly went viral on social media, leading to mixed reactions from fans.
Fans React to the On-Stage Kiss
The kiss, although part of the performance, left some audience members uncomfortable. One Twitter user commented, “Oh my God! Brian is a married man. Gaga should behave herself better.” Another noted that Brian Newman’s wife, Angie Pontani, was reportedly present at the show, further fueling concerns about the appropriateness of the gesture.
However, many fans defended Gaga, arguing that the kiss was just for theatrical effect. Several people compared the moment to her emotional performance with Bradley Cooper at the Oscars 2019, where their chemistry sparked similar rumors. A supporter tweeted, “It’s just part of the show, no different than her Oscar performance. People need to stop overreacting.”
Longtime Friendship with Brian Newman
Lady Gaga and Brian Newman have been close friends for years, long before Gaga achieved fame. Newman, a renowned jazz trumpet player, has worked with Gaga on several projects, including her jazz album Cheek to Cheek with Tony Bennett. Additionally, Gaga is the godmother of Brian’s daughter, indicating the deep, familial bond they share.
A source close to Lady Gaga told US Weekly that the kiss was purely for show and not indicative of any romantic relationship. “They were simply putting on a performance,” the insider explained.
Gaga’s Personal Life in the Spotlight
The controversy comes just months after Lady Gaga ended her engagement to talent manager Christian Carino in February 2019. This marks Gaga’s second high-profile breakup in recent years. In 2016, she called off her engagement to actor Taylor Kinney after five years together.
In her 2017 documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two, the pop icon opened up about the challenges of balancing love and career. She candidly shared that as her career soared, her personal life became increasingly difficult to manage. “The more successful I got, the more my relationships fell apart,” Gaga revealed in the documentary.
A Theatrical Gesture or Something More?
While many fans argue that the on-stage kiss was simply part of Gaga’s performance style, others remain critical of the optics surrounding the situation. The moment has reignited discussions about the blurred lines between performance art and personal boundaries, particularly when it involves married individuals.
Regardless of the mixed opinions, Lady Gaga continues to make headlines, not just for her music but for the provocative and emotional performances that have long defined her career.
