Lady Gaga has discussed the challenges of navigating her relationship with her father, Joe Germanotta, given their starkly opposing political views. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the pop icon opened up about how difficult it has been to reconcile her progressive stances with her father’s conservative leanings. Gaga, who actively campaigned for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, revealed that she tries to concentrate on the familial bond beyond their political disagreements. ‘As everyone knows, that is hard. We’re a family, just like all families,’ she said, highlighting that the tension between them is deeply personal yet familiar to many.
Joe Germanotta, a restaurateur and self-described ‘open-minded Republican,’ has publicly supported Donald Trump, making several appearances on Fox News where he voiced his concerns about Democratic politicians like Zohran Mamdani and Kamala Harris. Germanotta criticized Mamdani’s recent New York City mayoral win as a ‘nightmare’ and expressed nervousness about the city’s direction under such leadership. However, despite his conservative stance, Germanotta insists on his support for the LGBTQ+ community, evidenced by the weekly drag performances hosted at his restaurant, Joanne’s Trattoria, named in honour of Gaga’s late aunt. He openly embraces drag as a form of artistry, demonstrating an uncommon blend of traditional conservative values with cultural progressiveness.
This dynamic tension between Gaga and her father is underscored not only by politics but also by their contrasting life philosophies. Gaga reflected on her younger self’s attraction to a ‘live-fast, die-young mentality’ similar to her father’s, which she suggests contributed to challenges in her past relationships. In contrast, her fiancé, Michael Polansky, a venture capitalist, presents a different, steadier influence. Germanotta reportedly gave his blessing to Polansky, marking a shift in their family dynamics. Gaga noted that her father’s worry for her has lessened, a change that brings her comfort. Together, Gaga and Polansky are looking towards building a family, inspired in part by the example of Elton John and David Furnish, whose children are Gaga’s godsons. Polansky emphasised that Gaga’s artistic life will remain fully integrated with her role as a mother and partner, rather than compartmentalised.
While their political disagreements may create friction, both Lady Gaga and her father continue to uphold their familial connection, rooted in love and mutual respect. Germanotta’s public defence of LGBTQ+ culture alongside his conservative political identity adds a layer of complexity to their relationship, exemplifying how personal and political boundaries often blur within families. As Gaga’s star continues to shine with her recent Grammy nominations for “Mayhem” and her vocal political activism, the ongoing dialogue with her father reflects a broader narrative about finding common ground amid division.
Source: Noah Wire Services
