ColumnWe’re upset about the ruling in Kesha’s case against Sony–wanting out of her contract after enduring alleged sexual misconduct from the label’s Dr. Luke. But despite the disappointing ruling, we are happy about one thing: There are a lot of people who are publicly supporting Kesha in a variety of heartwarming and powerful ways.
If you are a regular reader of this column, you probably know that I am incredibly interested in Kesha’s case. A lot of that interest stems from my own experiences — I relate to what the singer went through and continues to go through. The case also peaked my interest because I was incredibly curious — and a bit worried — about which direction things would go. Sadly, my gut was right, and Kesha did not when her case.
According to Jezebel, on February 19, Shirley Kornreich, a New York Supreme Court judge, “ruled that Kesha ‘must remain contractually bound to Sony and Kemosabe, the record label created and run by Dr. Luke.’” Kesha claims that Dr. Luke “drugged and raped her when she was 18 and continued to abuse her throughout their creative partnership.”
The judge decided that the injunction was, basically, a request to “decimate a contract that was heavily negotiated and typical for the industry” — and not a “for physical, psychological and sexual safety.” Way to go, Kornreich.
What makes this decision even more heartbreaking is Kesha’s injunction. Jezebel reports that part of it said, “I know I cannot work with Dr. Luke. I physically cannot. I don’t feel safe in any way.”
While Kesha didn’t win her legal battle, she’s got a lot of support from the public and fellow pop stars.
If you want to see how many people on Twitter think that Kesha should not have to fulfill her contract with Dr. Luke, just search the hashtag #FreeKesha. Men and women both think the singer’s experience should be taken seriously and that she shouldn’t have to work with someone who makes her, basically, physically ill.
And since the judge’s decision, quite a few pop stars have spoken out in support of Kesha. JoJo, Ariana Grande, Kelly Clarkson, and Lady Gaga tweeted support to Kesha. Taylor Swift even donated $250,000 to help the singer with her financial needs. And most recently, Adele gave her support to the singer in an acceptance speech.
Now, none of the above can take away the pain Kesha feels or the trauma she went through. The positive public outcry, though, is refreshing. Women and men report sexual assaults every day and often times don’t get taken seriously. So, when the public creates a #FreeKesha hashtag and calls bullshit on a ruling that seems incredibly misguided, one can only hope that victims will get better treatment in the future.
Related on EcoSalon
And the Bill Cosby Case Marches On: #NowWhat
Yoga and Sexual Assault Survivors’ Justice: #NowWhat
Lady Gaga Opens Up About Her Sexual Assault [Video]
Image of Kesha via Shutterstock