So, we all know Kesha, also spelled as Ke$ha, the pop star who dons glitter, unicorn masks and loves to ride around in a gold Trans Am. She provided us with some of our best summer anthems, a television show that showcased her adventures on the road during her tour, and as of late, a court case that is extremely important.
So here are the things we've learned from Kesha's court case, not only for the pop star but for other people in her position.
Don't speak out, because nobody will care anyway.
The judge assigned to Kesha's case has determined that by granting her the right to nullify her contract, the courts would be undermining the state's laws surrounding contracts. So, let me get this straight...it's all right for a man to be accused of raping and drugging a woman but because there is a contract, it's all right? The judge's verdict inadvertently sends the message that it doesn't matter what happened to the pop star, all that matters is that the state's laws are kept intact. Pretty sure rape is illegal in all states, just so you know Mr. Judge.
People will not always support you.
In a comment that Wendy Williams made about the court case, she simply said "business is business." Hm, so business is business includes raping someone just because you have a contract over their head? I'm thinking no. By people saying things like "business is business," the dismissal of the trauma Kesha actually went through is only showing other people in her situation that they will be ridiculed if they come out and speak about their experience. Fundamentally, as women and girls, we should be supporting each other, not supporting a judgement in which a woman has to make music with her abuser. Essentially, "business" shouldn't include drugs, rape or abuse. I'm decently sure that Sony never mentioned any of those things as conditions in Kesha's contract.
For every non-supporter, there will be a lot of supporters.
Over the days following the released court decision, Kesha saw an abundance of fans and celebrities willing to come to her aid through this time. The hashtag #FreeKesha has been seen on all avenues of social media and through everyone from fans to celebrities. In Kesha's first released statement since the verdict she writes: "I'm so, so beyond humbled and thankful for all the support I've received from everyone." She continues to write about the importance of speaking out and ultimately being free from her abuser.
Regardless of what people think, you need to stand up for yourself.
Further in Kesha's first released statement since the verdict, she mentions continuing the court case for other people's daughters and her future daughter. This has become much more than being able to leave a record label that supports her abuser, it's become a chance to show people that you can speak up and stand up for yourself. And not only can you do it, but you should. Refuse to be silenced or told that there's just not enough proof that something horrible happened to you.
Lastly, some facts about rape:
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, rape is one of the most under-reported crimes. In addition, 81 percent of women and 35 percent of men report suffering short-term or long-term psychological impacts after the experience occurs. Also, 8 percent of rapes occur at the workplace. You can read some more facts about rape here.
