Whether you’re a fan of Kesha’s music or not, there’s no denying that this pop star has made a name for herself in the music industry — but her successful career just may be coming to an end.
Kesha has been tied up in an ongoing lawsuit since last year against her producer Dr. Luke, or Lukasz Gottwald, who allegedly drugged and raped her repeatedly. Amidst these claims of both verbal and physical abuse, Dr. Luke responded by filing a countersuit for extortion, saying she was using defamation to get out of her contract. Seems a bit extreme, doesn’t it?
Earlier this summer, she extended the lawsuit to include all of Sony Music. She is arguing that their company blatantly ignored Dr. Luke’s abuse towards her, endangering the safety of many female artists. However, Sony is simply taking the third-party approach and explaining that they are not to blame, that they were “caught in the crossfire.”
Her legal team recently pressed New York courts for a preliminary injunction that will require a judge’s decision to determine if she be released from her contract; she is currently awaiting the results.
As if this situation wasn’t bad enough, her career has been put on hold until things are figured out. According to Vulture, she is under a legal obligation to refrain from working with music producers, publishers, or record labels. Her last single, “Timber” was released in 2013 — two whole years ago. More time under the radar is only going to jeopardize her career, possibly past the point of recovery.
Is this her fault? According to Dr. Luke’s spokesperson, yes, it is. A.V. Club has gathered this quote from them: “If Kesha now regrets her career being mired in legal proceedings, it’s entirely in her making.”
Rightfully, these sheepish and ridiculous approaches from both Sony Music and Dr. Luke regarding the case have appalled many. In response, people are showing widespread support for Kesha and spreading her story across social media, tagging #FreedomForKesha.
It is important that this issue becomes recognized — not only in this circumstance but for many others. The consistent oppression and negative consequences that girls have faced from claiming abuse in the past only discourages others from doing the same. We shouldn’t live in a society where we are too scared to cry out for help, where the victims receive punishment instead of the oppressor. Those who are accused or involved with these crimes and get away with it only makes the problem seem less severe than it is. We shouldn’t live in a society where rape and abuse is not made out to be a big deal. It’s a big deal.
Kesha’s career does not deserve to be threatened simply because she is seeking justice.
