Fact Check: Is the viral photo showing Lady Gaga linked to Jeffrey Epstein real?
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Following the release of a massive tranche of documents linked to convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein by the Justice Department last month, a viral photo claiming to show popular singer Lady Gaga with the late financier is circulating on social media with the claim that Gaga consumed human flesh. Let us fact-check the claim.
Claim: Lady Gaga consumed human meat at an event linked to Jeffrey Epstein
The viral image showing pop superstar Lady Gaga with a spoon in her mouth was shared on Facebook on February 4, accompanied by a Malay language caption that translates as, “Do you know what Epstein was eating? Do you know what's lying in there? They are eating human flesh."
Next to her is Serbian performance artist Marina Abramović, reaching toward a human-shaped figure that lies in a container filled with dark red liquid.
The image has been circulating on other social media platforms such as Instagram and X and shared similar captions written in French, Portugues and Arabic. Some users claimed that the picture was taken on Epstein Island, where people consumed human flesh.
Fact Check: The image is not related to Jeffrey Epstein
A reverse image search found that the original image is published on Getty Images’ website as part of a collection of photos from Marina Abramović’s participation in a charity party held on July 27, 2013, in Southampton, New York, United States, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 'Watermill' art center.
The event is not related to Jeffrey Epstein.
As for the human body claimed to be presented as raw meat for consumption, it is actually a performative art piece titled 'Funerals of Honey' by artist Lisa Lozano. The liquid filling the box was concentrated molasses flavored with honey.
The art party was titled 'Devil’s Heaven,' and was described as a 'unique laboratory' for performance art, featuring unusual works such as white smoke at the entrance, specially crafted drinks, and performances using live human bodies painted to form statues and artistic installations, including 'Magnolia Tree' and 'Funerals of Honey.'
Lady Gaga's name in the Epstein files
The image surfaced following the release of millions of documents related to the disgraced financier on January 30 by the Department of Justice.
Lady Gaga was mentioned in a few emails in the latest release, referring to a concert she performed in New York in 2011.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the release also included more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.
The release came after weeks of criticism that the department was not following a federal law passed in November, which required all Epstein-related files to be made public by December 19.
Among the newly released materials is an FBI compilation of allegations involving President Donald Trump, many of which appear to be based on unverified tips rather than substantiated evidence.
