Lady Gaga: Men tried to take advantage of me sexually in the beginning of my career

                               

Los Angeles - Lady Gaga claims she had "awful" experiences with men trying to take "advantage of" her sexually when she started her career.

The 28-year-old pop superstar had to fend off the unwanted advances of guys she worked with when she was trying to establish herself in the business and she is speaking out because she wants young singers to know about the darker side of the industry.

In an interview in The Times newspaper, she said: I've had really awful experiences with men in the studio. Made me very uncomfortable. I didn't feel like I was being cherished for my vocal talents but was seen more as someone to take advantage of.

When asked if their advances were of a sexual nature, she replied: "Yes. And I don't have to elaborate, but when women who are in the business that are young read this article I hope (they realise) that you do not have to put up with that. And I hope to be an inspiration that if you're talented enough, you can work hard and achieve your dreams."

Gaga - who is currently on her ArtRave: The Artpop Ball tour - insists the pop business is full of "sharks" and if you want to make it you have learn to stand up for yourself.