Harper's Bazaar

Lady Gaga may model prosthetics on the cover of May's Harper's Bazaar, but the multi-platinum songstress is also quick to separate show from reality, telling the magazine:

"It's artistic expression... a performance-art piece. I have never, ever encouraged my fans or anyone to harm themselves, nor do I romanticize masochism. Body modification is part of the overarching analysis of 'Born This Way.' In the video, we use Rico, who is tattooed head to toe [including a skull on his face]. He was born that way. Although he wasn't born with tattoos, it was his ultimate destiny to become the man he is today."

Are you a fan of this controversial cover image?