Lady Gaga has admitted she was taken advantage of, both physically and emotionally, by men at the start of her career.

During an interview with The Times, the G.U.Y. singer revealed how she often had to fend off unwanted advances from men in the early days of her career, was constantly felt "uncomfortable".

Gaga explained: "I've had really awful experiences with men in the studio. Made me very uncomfortable. I didn't feel like I was being cherished for my vocal talents but was seen more as someone to take advantage of."

When probed over whether their advances were of a sexual nature, Mother Monster replied: "Yes. And I don't have to elaborate, but when women who are in the business that are young read this article I hope (they realise) that you do not have to put up with that.

"And I hope to be an inspiration that if you're talented enough, you can work hard and achieve your dreams."

The eccentric popstar went on to insist that the music industry is full of "sharks" and if you want to survive, you need to defend yourself.

[related]Gaga said: "It's very hard, this business, and there are a lot of sharks. I wish to set a good example. That's why I'm so honest, because I don't want to give this impression that this was handed to me on a silver platter. It was certainly not like that ... I'm certainly a feminist.

"A feminist to me is somebody that wishes to protect the integrity of women who are ambitious. A feminist in my opinion is somebody that regards that women have strong intelligence and wisdom. That we are just as great as men - and some of us can be even better."