Lady GaGa is being taken to court by a one-time employer claiming to have been short changed by the singer during their time in employment. Jennifer O'Neill, guy who is challenging Gaga in court, worked for Gaga for almost a year from early 2009 to February '10.

Lady Gaga
Gaga is being taken to court by a disgruntled former employee

O'Neill is claiming that she was forced to work up to 24 hours a day up to 7 days a week, after which she'd only be paid for working a standard shift and the hours spent working overnight were done for free. The accuser claims to have been paid a flat rate of $50,000 (£32,000) per-annum when she was first hired and then $75,000 (£48,000) annually when she was re-hired. It is believed that she is suing the 'Applause' singer for up to 7000 in unpaid hours.

According to the ruling filed by District Judge Paul Gardephe, both Gaga and O'Neill regularly had to share beds and sleep together as she was needed to address and talk to Gaga throughout the night. The judge also noted O'Neill's tasks would include caring for Gaga in some highly mundane way at an inappropriate, such as changing a DVD during the middle of the night. She also claims to have been placed in charge of all of Gaga's personal touring belonging, which usually filled up to 20 bags as well as being needed to provide 'special food' for the singer wherever she went.

Lady Gaga FMAs
The singer reckons that O'Neill agreed to a hoursless structure

"Every day is a work day for her, so every day is a work day for the rest of us," O'Neill said. "There is no, 'We're going to stay in, we're going to sleep.' There is no, 'Let's put on sweatpants and go out to the movies and be girlfriends.' It doesn't work like that."

Gaga has testified; "You don't get a schedule. You don't get a schedule that is like you punch in and you can play ... at your desk for four hours and then you punch out at the end of the day. This is when I need you, you're available."

According to the court papers (and as reported by Sky News), the two were mutual friends when O'Neill was hired and she also had links to the music community. A jury will decide on whether O'Neill is due any compensation at a later date. More news on this story as it develops.

Lady Gaga In London
Gaga during her recent visit to London