This Is Why #FreeKesha Is Trending on Social Media Over the Weekend
Demi Lovato clamors for women empowerment and support over Kesha's legal loss while other celebrities like, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga and many others voice their support online.
Kesha vs. Dr. Luke and Sony Records
Kesha, whose full name is Kesha Rose Sebert, filed a legal appeal to be released from producer Luke Gottwald's contract, stating that he raped her when she was 18 years old. The 28-year old singer has been entrenched in a legal battle against her producer and record label since 2014. She sued Gottwald for sexual assault, battery, gender violence, sexual harassment, emotional distress and negligent retention and supervision.
However, her request for a preliminary injunction that would have given her a temporary break from her contract was denied last week by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich. The judge said that Sony records would undergo "harm" if she breaks the contract and therefore she needs to make six more albums while under it. The "Tik Tok" singer was inconsolable and broke down in tears when the ruling was made.
Celebrities, Musicians, Fans and #FreeKesha
Many musicians, celebrities and fans voiced their support for the pop star. The likes of Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande, Lorde, Iggy Azalea and Mara Wilson took to Twitter to voice their support. The hashtag #FreeKesha, made by fans to appeal to Sony to free the singer from her contract, trended over the weekend.
The most vocal of them all is Demi Lovato, who published a series of tweets in support of Kesha and women's rights in general.
"Frustrating to see women come forward with their past only to be shot down, not believed & disrespected for their bravery in taking action," she wrote on her account. "Happens way too often. I'm ready for women to be taken just as seriously as men."
She then wrote a series of tweets about women empowerment.
"Women empowerment is speaking up for other women even when it's something uncomfortable to speak up about," she wrote.
Women empowerment is using your voice to help the voiceless women be heard.
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) February 21, 2016
Taylor Swift showed her support by donating $250,000 to Kesha. "In a show of support, Taylor Swift has donated $250,000 to Kesha to help with any of her financial needs during this trying time," a Swift spokesperson said. Kesha's mom confirmed the news by posting about it on Twitter:
Taylor Swift has just generously donated $250,000. to Kesha, as a show of support during this difficult time.AMAZING!! — keshas mom (@grannywrapper) February 22, 2016
#FreeKesha Petition
A petition against Sony forcing the singer to work with Dr. Luke has also been made. It hopes to appeal the injunction, but mostly calls for the record label to voluntarily terminate the contract to free Kesha.
"With no new music to perform, Kesha cannot tour," the memorandum from the pop singer's lawyer said. "Off the radio and stage and out of the spotlight, Kesha cannot sell merchandise, receive sponsorships, or get media attention. Her brand value has fallen, and unless the Court issues this injunction, Kesha will suffer irreparable harm, plummeting her career past the point of no return."
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