Music producer files $35M lawsuit against Grammy Award-winning singer Lady Gaga in NYC court

Producer files $35M suit against Lady Gaga in NYC

NEW YORK — A songwriter and music producer says in a New York City lawsuit pop star Lady Gaga squeezed him out of her lucrative career after he co-wrote some of her songs, came up with her stage name and helped get her record deal.

Rob Fusari filed a $35 million lawsuit Wednesday against the Grammy Award-winning singer. He says his protege and former girlfriend ditched him as her career soared.

Fusari’s lawsuit says he has credits on such hits as Will Smith’s “Wild, Wild West” and Destiny’s Child’s “Bootylicious.” It says a friend steered the piano-playing singer to him in March 2006, when she was known by her real name, Stefani Germanotta.

Lady Gaga spokesman Dave Tomberlin hasn’t responded to an e-mail sent Thursday seeking comment.

The lawsuit was filed in a Manhattan state court.

AP Music Writer Nekesa Moody and AP writer Mesfin Fekadu in New York contributed to this report.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NEW YORK (AP) — A songwriter and music producer credited with helping launch pop star Lady Gaga says in a New York City lawsuit she squeezed him out of her lucrative career after he co-wrote some of her songs, came up with her stage name and helped get her record deal.

Rob Fusari filed a $35 million lawsuit Wednesday against the Grammy Award-winning singer. He says his protege and former girlfriend ditched him as her career soared.

Fusari’s lawsuit says he has credits on such hits as Will Smith’s “Wild, Wild West” and Destiny’s Child’s “Bootylicious.” It says a friend steered the piano-playing singer to him in March 2006, when she was known by her real name, Stefani Germanotta.

Lady Gaga spokesman Dave Tomberlin hasn’t responded to an e-mail sent Thursday seeking comment.

The lawsuit was filed in a Manhattan state court.

AP Music Writer Nekesa Moody and AP writer Mesfin Fekadu in New York contributed to this report.