Earlier this month a judge decided that Kesha cannot get out of her contract with Sony Music and Dr. Luke. Why did Kesha want to stop recording music with them? She is claiming that Dr. Luke raped her, and has been emotionally and physically abusing her for the last ten years. It takes a lot of strength to even admit to being raped and to then to have stand to same room as the man who raped you in order to go through trial. There are pictures of Kesha crying in court when the judge told her the verdict (pictured below). Do these tears look fake to you? Kesha's fans started the #FreeKesha Movement in late 2013 because they claimed Dr. Luke was controlling Kesha like a puppet. Join many supporters in standing with Kesha. Still don't understand why you should? Here are seven reasons why you should stand with Kesha:
1. It takes a lot of strength to admit you were raped.
Only 32% of rape cases actually get reported. That leaves a whopping 68% left unreported and unsolved. Reporting abuse is only the first step, the abusee and abuser then have to go to trial. Can you imagine having to stand trial with someone who violated you? It is hard enough to admit that the assault happened, and even harder to face the abuser in person. Now imagine that you go through all of this just to be told that you have to continue to work for the man who put you through this.
2. ZAYN.
About a year ago Zayn Malik left the boy band, One Direction. He was able to quit his Sony contract when he pleased... so why can't Kesha when she claims she got raped by the man to which the contract binds her? This is an appalling double standard.
3. Taylor Swift is in.
To support Kesha during this rocky time, Taylor Swift donated $250,000 to help Kesha with any financial needs. Many other female stars, including Arianna Grande and Lady Gaga voiced their support, too.
Kesha's fans have been equally as supportive by protesting outside of Sony's New York headquarters. By joining many in supporting Kesha you are joining a movement of empowering people trying to make a difference.
4. Remember when Kesha went to rehab?
It was for an eating disorder, which she says started in 2012 when Dr. Luke told her she looked like a "fat f*cking refrigerator." He emotionally and physically abused her for the last ten years. Kesha claims to have been manipulated to drop out of school and move to LA, leaving her family behind in Nashville. She also claimed that Dr. Luke gave her "sober pills" to help her sober up after nights out; after taking the pills she woke up naked in his bed the following morning. The pills turned out to be a form of the drug GHB, and Dr. Luke threatened Kesha in order to keep the situation under wraps.
5. She doesn't need the money... or Dr. Luke.
Kesha has had many hits that topped charts and she has a huge fan base. In other words, she is not filing bankruptcy anytime soon, so she is not creating a lawsuit because she needs the money. On the other hand, Kesha makes Dr. Luke a lot of money. He needs her more than she needs him.
6. Can we just look at these pictures again?
7. It's not just about Kesha.
Only 2% of rapists will actually go to prison. That is far too low of a number! While Kesha's case is publicized, there are cases like this all of the time. Many abusers will not end up in jail after vulnerable women have fought for justice. This battle needs to be fought. It is not just for Kesha, but for all of the women and men out there that never got justice.
This is not just about Kesha; while her story got publicized, this type of situation happens all the time. It is time to make a change. #FreeKesha
