Lady Gaga is mourning the death of her friend and Born This Way muse Rick “Zombie Boy” Genest, taking to Twitter on Thursday (August 2) to tell fans the news of his apparent suicide and encourage followers to reach out to their loved ones who are in pain.
“The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating,” Gaga wrote. “We have to work harder to change the culture, bring Mental Health to the forefront and erase the stigma that we can’t talk about it. If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other.”
Genest, a model and artist known for his distinctive and body-covering tattoos, starred in Gaga’s “Born This Way” video in 2011.
The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating. We have to work harder to change the culture, bring Mental Health to the forefront and erase the stigma that we can’t talk about it. If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other. pic.twitter.com/THz6x5JlpB
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 3, 2018
Science tells us that it takes 21 days to form a habit, if you are suffering from Mental Health issue I beckon for today to be your first day or a continuation of the work you’ve been doing. Reach out if you’re in pain, and if you know someone who is, reach out to them too. pic.twitter.com/4pVR5xyoH6
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 3, 2018
Kindness and mental health aren’t one time practices. They aren’t just to do list items. This fall, in partnership with @btwfoundation, I’ll explore the power of habits to build cultures of kindness and wellness. Sign up to learn more https://t.co/GBVblaVKzF
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 3, 2018