We all know Kesha (formerly Ke$ha), pop music star with hits like “Tik Tok” and “Your Love Is My Drug”. Her last album, Warrior, came out in 2012 following 2010’s Animal and Cannibal. Since 2012, we haven’t heard much from the star, and some of us have been wondering why until recently when the story dropped that Kesha has been in a legal bind with produce Dr. Luke. And now, she’s been the center of attention in the media, but for a very unfortunate reason.
In 2005 when Kesha was just 18 she signed with Dr. Luke’s label Kemosabe Records under Sony Music Entertainment. All seemed well, as the singer released some chart topping albums and well-known dance hits. Now we know that for years, her producer Dr. Luke was abusing her physically, sexually and emotionally. According to her court statements, Kesha was drugged, knocked unconscious, and then raped, several times over the span of her career working with him, which ultimately led to a serious eating disorder. This past week, the judge on the case denied removing Kesha from her contract with Dr. Luke, forcing her to continue working with him to produce six more records. Yes, that’s six more records she needs to make under her abuser’s label.
Dr. Luke just spoke out denying these allegations, and the record label and Sony itself stands behind the producer (as it’s been said that Dr. Luke makes more money for them than Kesha ever has or would, despite what is true and untrue). In other words the labels are supporting themselves, and it doesn’t seem like Kesha has any options. Dr. Luke took to twitter the other day, saying “I didn’t rape Kesha and I have never had sex with her” and, “It’s sad that she would turn a contract negotiation into something so horrendous and untrue.”
Whether or not this abuse did take place, of course Dr. Luke is going to protect himself and claim his innocence until he is brought to court on the abuse charge. But for now, it says a lot about the system that Kesha can’t even work with another producer. The internet has been speaking out with the hashtag #FreeKesha, and many celebs are showing support as well with kind words on Twitter. Taylor Swift even donated $250,000 to assist Kesha in her legal expenses.
Meanwhile, all we can do is support Kesha. I for one think this is sad not only for Kesha but also for all women who have been abused in any way and are trying to come forward, because this ruling shows exactly why sexual assault is horribly underreported. 68% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police and a staggering 98% of rapists will never set foot behind bars. Before Kesha has even had to deal with the court case specifically on the rape charge, she has had to endure never ending violation and humiliation just to relieve herself from her contract. (Why someone would go through this just because she was “unhappy” with her label I don’t know …) If Kesha can’t just separate herself from working with her abuser, what kind of justice is possible for victims? We as college students and females should be concerned. 80% of sexual assault victims are under the age of 30, and 23% of college students will experience some sort of unwanted sexual contact. If something like this were to happen to you or a friend, and you/they were still forced to work with or under them in school or work, how would this make you feel?! I simply can’t imagine. However, it’s important to come forward about abuse and stand up for yourself, because otherwise this unfairness will continue.
I hope that this case will get reconsidered, and that it will eventually change the stigma about these kinds of cases, making more women feel comfortable coming forward about their abuse. In the meantime, I will say loud and proud, #FreeKesha.
Resources for Sexual Assault Victims:
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE(4673) or online.rainn.org.
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center: 800-841-8371 or barcc.org
Suffolk University Counselling Health and Wellness: 617-573-8226