For those who have not heard yet, Kesha recently lost in a preliminary injunction motion which would have freed her from recording with her producer Dr. Luke and Sony Music. Kesha stated that Dr. Luke sexually, physically, verbally, and emotionally abused her during their time working together. If the court had ruled in her favor, Kesha would have been able to end or alter her contract with Sony and produce music without Dr. Luke. However, New York Supreme Justice Shirley Kornreich claimed there was not enough evidence and ruled against Kesha’s statement.
This decision displays the favoritism of corporations and commercial profit over the voice of victims in America and our judicial system. Not only does this ruling display the current bias towards large enterprises, but it hurts rape victims expressing that victims will not be understood or believed.
Kesha is standing as a symbol for all women and people who have been sexually abused or assaulted. She is standing up and out against her assaulter, and the court ruling against her charges of assault will only demonstrate to other women and victims that they will not be believed. When someone opens up about being assaulted, the best thing one thing can do is simply believe him or her. This ruling sends a simple, but strong message to rape victims: people will not believe you. Many victims do not report their assaults because they fear the repercussions that may come with speaking the truth, specifically being painted as a liar which Kesha has had to face herself.
On a recent Instagram post Kesha declared,
"I have nothing left to hide. I did this because the truth was eating away my soul and killing me from the inside. this is not just for me. this is for every woman, every human who has ever been abused. sexually. emotionally. mentally. I had to tell the truth. so the outcome will be what it will be. there's nothing left I can do. it's just so scary to have zero control in your fate. but this is my path this life for whatever reason…"
Kesha decided that coming out with the truth was worth risking the future of her career. Fans, the general public, and the judicial system are questioning the truth behind Kesha’s charges against Dr. Luke. But for rape victims, this skepticism only digs a deeper cut in their wounds. Rather than questioning their allegations. We need to support Kesha and believe victims of assault so they can feel empowered and willing to speak out about the truth.
