Lady Gaga has been criticised after she called claims she copied Madonna "retarded".

The singer made the comments in a new interview when asked about the similarities between her hit 'Born This Way' and Madonna's 'Express Yourself'.

Mencap, which is the leading UK charity for people with a learning disability and their families, condemned Lady Gaga's comments.

"It's an unfortunate choice of words, particularly from someone so influential," a source told The Sun newspaper.

'Born This Way' is the lead single from Lady Gaga's forthcoming album of the same name, due out in May.

(by Jason Gregory)