Last Friday, a judge denied a plea from Kesha for release from her contract with her producer, and alleged abuser Dr. Luke. The case came about after Kesha came out last year with public accusations that Dr. Luke had emotionally and sexually abused her for the past decade. She claims that Dr. Luke drugged and raped her after her 18th birthday, after she signed to his label Kemosabe Records. Dr Luke was never charged – Kesha is now 28.
Her contact prevents her from making any new music without his involvement, and a court ruling has concluded that Kesha must honour her six-album deal with Dr. Luke and Sony Music Entertainment.
According to New York Daily News, the court case, which took place at Manhattan Supreme Court, ended with Justice Shirley Komreich saying that “Sony would suffer irreparable harm” and undermine New York’s contracting laws if she was released from her contract.
As the rest of the world heard of this devastating news, many people expressed their disgust and confusion towards the situation, but also more than anything, their support for Kesha. #FreeKesha circled social media with both fans and celebrities coming together to tell the singer she is not alone. Some of these artists included Lorde, Demi Lovato, Lady Gaga, Halsey and Lily Allen.
standing with @KeshaRose through this traumatic, deeply unfair time. send good vibes her way everyone
— Lorde (@lorde) February 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/ddlovato/status/701134345545748480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
There are people all over the world who love you @KeshaRose. And I can say truly I am in awe of your bravery.
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) February 19, 2016
Disgusted by anyone in power positions abusing their authority. My heart breaks for Kesha and all people affected by this toxicity. Fuck.
— HALSEY (@halsey) February 19, 2016
I don't even know what I would do… I only hope she can find peace and find a way to continue to create express herself without fear.
— HALSEY (@halsey) February 19, 2016
My thoughts are with @KeshaRose today. I'm sorry you've had to endure this experience.
— lily (@lilyallen) February 19, 2016
It wasn’t just musicians extending their support though. Other celebrities, such as actress Christina Ricci and comedienne Margaret Cho also joined in.
Makes me happy to see so many of her peers supporting her. #FreeKesha https://t.co/5PEJehtFb2
— christina ricci (@ChristinaRicci) February 20, 2016
I love the RAGE from all you beautiful young people – you won't let her down. I'm inspired by all of you! #FreeKesha #thefutureisverybright
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) February 20, 2016
There is also a petition signed by over 200,000 people, stating that Sony Music and other associated labels will be boycotted even after they permitted Kesha to work with another producer whist fulfilling her contract. Kesha and her lawyer maintain the belief that any music made with another producer would not be promoted by the label.
Last year Kesha’s lawyer claimed, “Dr. Luke’s proclivity for abusive conduct was open and obvious to [Sony Music Entertainment] executives, who either knew of the conduct and turned a blind eye, failed to investigate Dr. Luke’s conduct, failed to take any corrective action, or actively concealed Dr. Luke’s abuse.”
Kesha’s career has been on hiatus since 2014 (aside from playing a surprise show in Nashville at the end of last year) with her last album Warrior released in 2012. The verdict on her assault accusations are still to be determined by the court in a separate case.
Image: Cosmopolitan UK