Lady Gaga refutes claims she profited from charity

Lady Gaga has branded claims she tried to profit from her charity wristbands as "misguided".

The Edge of Glory singer is being sued for $5 million after being accused of deliberately inflating the cost of shipping and handling of the 'We Pray for Japan' bracelets - which were being sold for $5, plus $3.99 for shipping and handling, and 60 cents for taxes - in order to profit from the charitable venture, which was initiated to raise money for the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, but she has now hit back at the allegations.

Her spokesman said: "This misguided lawsuit is without merit and unfortunately takes attention away from the kind deeds of the fans around the world who are supporting the people of Japan.

"The entire $5 donation made with the purchase of each bracelet is going to support the disaster relief. No profit is being made on shipping costs. Sales tax charges were made in accordance with local legal requirements.

"Lady Gaga has personally pledged her own funds to this cause and continues to support the victims of the disaster."

Ari Kresch, an attorney with Michigan-based 1-800-LAW-FIRM, had previously said: "I'm suing Lady Gaga simply to hold her accountable for giving the money that she was raising for charity to the cause that she was trying to raise it for."

- BANG! Showbiz