A songwriter and music producer – who was also romantically linked to the Gaga has launched a lawsuit against the singer, claiming he is due royalty shares.

Rob Fusari has been credited on many songs on the Gaga’s debut album, The Fame and has now filed a $30.5m (£20m) lawsuit against the 23-year-old singer.

Fusari also claims he was responsible for securing a record contract with Interscope for the singer and also “radically reshaped her approach” to her career after first seeing her perform in New Jersey. He also alleges that he chose the name ‘Lady Gaga’.

The producer claims that the pair were an item in 2006 and launched a join venture – Team Love Child LCC – however when their relationship ended, the business was also terminated.

Fusari says he has received $611,000 from the Gaga so far – but believes he is entitled to a 20% share of royalties and merchandising sales.

Since her debut, the Gaga’s two albums have sold 10m copies worldwide. The singer’s lawyers have yet to comment on the lawsuit.

(Image: Gaga as a brunette before she got kooky and Rob – far right)