Lady Gaga Stops Tokyo Concert to Denounce ICE and Defend Americans ‘Under Merciless Attack’ — and she didn’t hold back.
During a recent stop on her Mayhem Ball tour in Tokyo, Lady Gaga paused the show to deliver an emotional message condemning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and expressing deep concern for families across America.
Performing at the Tokyo Dome, where she is closing out a five-night run on Jan. 30, Gaga told the crowd that her heart was heavy as she prepared to return home.
“I want to take a moment to talk about something that’s incredibly important to me — and to people all over the world, especially in America right now,” she said. “In just a few days, I’ll be heading home, and my heart is aching for the people, the children, the families across America who are being mercilessly targeted by ICE. I’m thinking about their pain and how their lives are being torn apart right in front of us.”
Speaking Out Alongside Other Celebrities
Gaga’s comments place her among a growing list of public figures calling out ICE in recent weeks. Celebrities such as Mark Ruffalo, Olivia Wilde, and Wanda Sykes have also condemned the agency during high-profile appearances at events like the Golden Globes and the Sundance Film Festival.
Remembering a Tragic Incident in Minnesota
During her speech, Gaga also addressed the recent shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis, an incident that has sparked national outrage. The singer, who is scheduled to perform in St. Paul this April, spoke directly to the fear gripping communities back home.
“I’m thinking about Minnesota and everyone at home who is living in fear and desperately searching for answers,” she said. “When entire communities lose their sense of safety and belonging, it breaks something in all of us.”
Although she was speaking thousands of miles away from the U.S., Gaga made it clear where her solidarity lies.
“We may not be in America tonight, but we are with our community. And we love you.”
Dedicating Music to Those Who Are Hurting
Gaga went on to dedicate her song “Come to Mama” from her 2016 album Joanne to people struggling through loss and uncertainty.
“This is for everyone who’s suffering, who feels alone or helpless, who’s lost someone they love and can’t see the end of the pain,” she said. “Good people shouldn’t have to fight this hard or risk their lives just to be treated with dignity. I hope our leaders are listening — and I hope they change course quickly and show mercy.”
She closed the moment by emphasizing the power of community and hope, explaining that her friends, fans, and loved ones are what keep her standing during dark times.
A Longstanding Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights
Advocacy has always been central to Gaga’s career. Throughout the Mayhem Ball tour, she has proudly displayed support for the LGBTQ+ community — wearing a sash in the colors of the trans flag, waving Pride flags at select shows, and transforming her flowing cape during “Paparazzi” into a massive rainbow banner that stretches across the stage.
What’s Next for Gaga
Gaga wraps up the Tokyo leg of her tour tomorrow before heading back to the U.S. On Sunday, she’s set to take the stage at the Grammy Awards, where she earned an impressive seven nominations. These include Album of the Year (Mayhem), Song of the Year (Abracadabra), and Record of the Year (Abracadabra).
The total marks a personal record for the pop icon, surpassing her previous high of six nominations back in 2010. She now ties for the second-most nominations this year alongside producers Jack Antonoff and Cirkut — making it yet another milestone moment in an already historic career.
