Lady GaGa claims she had ''awful'' experiences with men trying to take ''advantage of'' her sexually when she started her career.

The 28-year-old pop superstar had to fend off the unwanted advances of guys she worked with when she was trying to establish herself in the business and she is speaking out because she wants young singers to know about the darker side of the industry.

In an interview in The Times newspaper, she said: ''I've had really awful experiences with men in the studio. Made me very uncomfortable. I didn't feel like I was being cherished for my vocal talents but was seen more as someone to take advantage of.''

When asked if their advances were of a sexual nature, she replied: ''Yes. And I don't have to elaborate, but when women who are in the business that are young read this article I hope (they realise) that you do not have to put up with that. And I hope to be an inspiration that if you're talented enough, you can work hard and achieve your dreams.''

Gaga - who is currently on her 'ArtRave: The Artpop Ball' tour - insists the pop business is full of ''sharks'' and if you want to make it you have learn to stand up for yourself.

The 'Applause' hitmaker hopes by being a strong feminist she can help other women.

She said: ''It's very hard, this business, and there are a lot of sharks. I wish to set a good example. That's why I'm so honest, because I don't want to give this impression that this was handed to me on a silver platter. It was certainly not like that ... I'm certainly a feminist. A feminist to me is somebody that wishes to protect the integrity of women who are ambitious. A feminist in my opinion is somebody that regards that women have strong intelligence and wisdom. That we are just as great as men - and some of us can be even better.''