OFF BEAT: Lawsuits apparently the price of fame for Lady Gaga

One of today’s most popular music artists is also one of today’s most popular lawsuit targets.

Lady Gaga is being sued by R&B artist Teddy Riley, who claims he was never paid for his contribution to “Teeth,” a song on her album “The Fame Monster.”

The former member of the 1990s hip-hop group Blackstreet claims Lady Gaga promised him 25% of the writing fees but hasn’t paid him a dime since the song’s release in 2009, according to reports. So he wants $500,000 plus punitive damages.

But that’s not the only recent legal action seeking money from the 27-year-old.

Another lawsuit seeks $5 million and alleges deceptive advertising and racketeering, claiming Lady Gaga profited from wristbands sold to raise money for victims of the 2011 Japan earthquake, according to reports.

The lawsuit alleges that Lady Gaga overcharged for the shipping costs of the “We Pray for Japan” wristbands. It also claims she collected taxes on the red and white wristbands, then kept some of the revenue rather than distributing all the proceeds to a relief effort, as promised, according to the reports.

That lawsuit, reportedly filed in federal court in Detroit, uses her real name of Stefani Germanotta.