Lady Gaga proposed to herself for Valentine’s Day (14.02.20)

Referring to a tradition which states that women can only propose to men on February 29 - which comes around once every four years during a leap year - Gaga said: "The idea that a woman can only propose to a man one day every four years is so completely ridiculous! Anyone who knows me knows that I believe any person of any gender identity should be able to express any act of love to anyone else on any day of any year.

"So in an act of defiance of this outdated tradition, I decided to say yes to myself! And wear this ring today with pride to remind myself and everyone that the only permission you need to love comes from within you.”

Traditionally, it is generally the male in a heterosexual relationship that proposes to a female, but there is an exception that makes it “acceptable” the other way around during a leap year, such as 2020.

Gaga made the comments as she has partnered with her longtime pal and fashion activist B. Åkerlund for shopping service Klarna as part of their Get What You Love campaign, which encourages everyone to propose how and when they want to.

The ‘Shallow’ hitmaker said in a statement: "For my entire career, I've taken pride in using my voice to stand up for what I believe is right. So I am excited to work with my friend B. and Klarna to celebrate how far we've come as a culture, and call out the work we need to continue to do.”

And Klarna CMO David Sandström added: "Just like Lady Gaga, we at Klarna believe that if traditions go unchallenged, the status quo prevails.

"Why should we settle and conform to societal and industry expectations just because? The Knight's Finger ring was created as a symbol to enable everyone to express love on their terms to whom they wish, just like our millions of shoppers can get what they love every day with Klarna."