On Friday, February 19, a judge denied pop artist, Kesha, her request to nullify her contract with Sony that would force her to record six more albums with the company and also have her in working proximity with the man that she has stated raped and emotionally abused her over the past 10 years, producer Dr. Luke. In October of 2014, Kesha went public with statements claiming that Dr. Luke had raped her and abused her for years. She says that he gave her what he called "sober pills" only for her to black out and wake up in his bed later on--she had just turned 18 at the time.

The photos of Kesha sobbing at the news of her request being denied have circled the Internet. The judge, Justice Shirley Kornreich of the Manhattan Supreme Court, stated that she believed Sony, one of the biggest music companies with multiple successful artists and producers under its wing, would suffer from irreparable damage if she did not follow her contract and record those six albums. She also stated that by nullifying the contract, it would undermine the state’s law in regard to contracts, which they cannot do. Although Kesha has been given permission to work with another producer, there is fear that Kesha's career would still suffer and her music would not get the promotion that is need. Without the nullifying of the contract, Kesha's career is due to suffer in either a literal or ethical manner.

As she left the court house, Kesha was greeted by fans offering support, all chanting "Free Kesha." The news of the court's decision has sparked outrage all over the online community. Many celebrities, such as Lady Gaga and Halsey, have tweeted out their support for Kesha, and a petition to boycott all Sony produced music and other products has surfaced, gaining nearly 100,000 signatures. People on almost all social media platforms have posted the trends #IStandWithKesha and #FreeKesha. The #FreeKesha trend has taken over the Internet and it is something that I wish I did not have to see.

Now before there is any confusion here, this is the reason the #FreeKesha trend bothers me. It bothers me because it is now a reminder of the injustice that has happened here. Kesha, a woman who has worked hard for her success, is left with almost nothing. This case has not only left her unable to produce any new music, but with that lack of music she is unable to tour or have merchandise. Her brand name has fallen, and all her attempt to have justice and reclaim her career have been road blocked. The injustice that Kesha has faced is appalling.

It is often wondered why those who have been sexually assaulted don't report their incidents, but Kesha's shows an example of why. Not only does reporting a case require one to put themselves out there to relive their horrific ordeal and be put through more humiliation, but as seen in Kesha's case, there is often a lack of result. Victims are forced to watch their abusers get no punishment and are often the receiver of much judgment and hate. In Kesha's case, being in the public eye has made her open to a worldwide of opinions in regard to her situation, opinions that more than not are not playing in her favor.

There is still a stigma of victim blaming in our society, as well as a cultural norm to often not believe a victim when they do eventually come forward. It is a tactic that needs to be stopped, as it is a factor in preventing more women (and men) from coming forward and report these crimes. In a world where victims are shamed and mocked for seeking justice, it takes quite a bit of nerve when people wonder why more of these crimes are not reported right away.

It sadness me that instead of rejoicing over what would have been a historical decision by the courts and a victory for not only Kesha, but all victims of sexual abuse, we are instead filled with angry and #FreeKesha is needed to circulate. As Kesha continues to fight this case, it is my hope that the #FreeKesha trend will turn into a #CongratulationsKesha trend.