Lady Gaga has deleted her initial Twitter post honoring her late former collaborator Rick “Zombie Boy” Genest, saying she mistakenly called the “Born This Way” star’s death a suicide and apologized to his family.
“Out of respect for Rick’s family, Rick & his legacy I apologize if I spoke too soon as there was no witnesses or evidence to support any conclusion for the cause of his death,” Gaga tweeted. “I in no way meant to draw an unjust conclusion My deepest condolences to his entire family and friends.”
Out of respect for Rick’s family, Rick & his legacy I apologize if I spoke too soon as there was no witnesses or evidence to support any conclusion for the cause of his death. I in no way meant to draw an unjust conclusion My deepest condolences to his entire family and friends. pic.twitter.com/CJ9AdOJ22j
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 4, 2018
Genest, 32, was found dead on Wednesday after falling from the third story balcony of his Montreal apartment. TMZ initially reported the death as a suicide based on police reports; but Genest’s manager, Karim Leduc, told USA Today that the death was considered to be an accident, saying that Genest regularly went onto the balcony to smoke cigarettes.
With his body-encompassing tattoos, Genest found internet fame after he was featured in the music video for Gaga’s 2011 hit single “Born This Way.” His appearance in the film led to several other modeling jobs and movie roles, including a cameo in Keanu Reeves’ “47 Ronin.”
“The art we made was sacred to me,” wrote Gaga.” [He] was an incredible artist and his art and heart will live on. Rest In Peace You beautiful soul.”