Lady Gaga has apologised to the family of her late Born This Way video co-star Rick Genest, having described his death in a now-deleted tweet as a suicide before the cause of death has been determined.
Thirty-two-year-old Genest - known as 'Zombie Boy' because of his tattoos - was found dead at his home in Montreal, Canada on August 2 after falling from his balcony.
Police sources told the media that his death was being treated as an apparent suicide, but family and friends believe it was a tragic accident.
Genest's management company, Dulcedo Management, said: "The classification of his death is yet to be determined, contrary to reports."
Gaga took to social media, telling fans: "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."
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
She added: "The art we made was sacred to me and I was emotional, he was an incredible artist and his art and heart will live on."
The art we made was sacred to me and I was emotional, he was an incredible artist and his art and heart will live on. Rest In Peace 🙏 You beautiful soul. pic.twitter.com/0gXTJ6cHYB
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 4, 2018
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