Lady Gaga’s Dog Walker Ryan Fischer Addresses Criticism Pop Star Faced After He Was Shot

Five suspects were arrested in connection with the shooting and the dognapping. The dogs were safely returned, but Fischer suffered a collapsed lung during his recovery, which required surgery and a partial removal. His assistant Elisha Ault told Rolling Stone that Gaga’s team was “supportive from afar,” but claimed the support wasn’t as substantial as it should have been. She alleged: “Nobody really made a point to come see him or talk to him or make contact with him. Ryan was a lot more than just an employee for them. They were friends — close friends — for years.” She also said that Gaga’s team seemed confused when Ault, who handles Fischer’s finances, sent an invoice that would cover six months of the support he needed.

Billboard has reached out to Lady Gaga’s team for comment.

In the days following the incident, Gaga broke her silence and offered a $500,000 reward for the return of her pups, Koji and Gustav (which was never paid out, according to RS). “I continue to love you Ryan Fischer, you risked your life to fight for our family. You’re forever a hero,” her statement concluded. Fischer, who refers to Gaga among the rest of his clients as dear friends and emphasizes the need for their privacy and dogs’ safety, is still grateful for that friendship.

“They’re my friends, and I love them and they’re absolutely there for me. I have nothing but gratitude for everything. It’s just a weird situation just because of how it’s evolved in the media,” Fischer said. “But I’m very grateful for my friendships.”