NEWARK, N.J. — A federal judge in New Jersey has upheld a $7.3 million award owed by Lady Gaga’s first producer and former boyfriend to the Hollywood songwriter with whom he promised to split profits for discovering her.

U.S. District Court Judge Jose Linares ruled Wednesday against producer Rob Fusari’s argument to reduce the amount a jury last year awarded to Wendy Starland.

Starland testified during the trial the Parsippanny-based Fusari had asked her to find an “edgy, bold” performer people wouldn’t be able to take their eyes off.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.