AceShowbiz - Lady GaGa headlines this week following the publication of a hard-hitting feature in Britain's NME magazine, in which a journalist confronted her about allegations of plagiarism, product placement in her videos, and the origins of the horned image she sported earlier this year.

In the piece, titled "Freak or Fraud?", GaGa broke down in tears as she denied the widespread claims she copied Madonna's Express Yourself for her hit Born This Way, replying, "I am not stupid enough to put a record out and be that moronic. Why would I try to put a song out and think I'm getting one over on everybody? That's retarded."

GaGa's controversial comment infuriated learning disability campaigners, with a spokesman for Britain's Mencap charity saying, "It's an unfortunate choice of words, particularly from someone so influential."

The singer has now apologised for her remarks in a statement released to celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.

She says, "I consider it part of my life's work and music to push the boundaries of love and acceptance."

"My apologies for not speaking thoughtfully. To anyone that was hurt, please know that it was furiously unintentional. An honest mistake, requires honesty to make. Whether life's disabilities left you outcast bullied or teased, rejoice and love yourself today."