In 2010, with the release of her first album, Animal, Kesha (previously known as Ke$ha) became America’s favorite party-girl. She created a reckless, fun loving persona for herself that inspired and enthused the general public. People couldn’t get enough of her feel good, carefree songs that encouraged experimentation, escapism and being who you want to be, regardless of what others may think. Kesha was a symbol of youthfulness and individuality. What has happened to the beloved wild-child since her last album was released in 2012? Why has she not come out with any new music since? Well, Kesha has not given up her passion. Rather, she is currently unable to continue pursuing what she loves most because she is in a messy, uphill legal battle with her producer, Lukasz Gottwald (Dr. Luke). Dr. Luke allegedly drugged and raped Kesha, and, although the singer feels incredibly unsafe working with her abuser, she is legally bound to her contract that states she must produce at least three more albums with him. Meaning, she could spend the rest of her life under the control of the man who caused her severe mental and physical pain and made her life miserable.
At eighteen years old, Kesha Rose Sebert dropped out of school to record music in Los Angeles at the urging of Dr. Luke. It was not long before the new artist was legally linked with three of Gottwald’s music companies: Prescription Songs LLC, Kasz Money Inc. and Kemosabe Records LLC, which is owned by Sony Music but Gottwald serves as its’ chief executor. Dr. Luke first harassed Kesha in 2005, her first year with the label. The millionaire producer allegedly forced Kesha to drink with him then instructed her to take “sober pills” so she could sober up. Kesha did as she was told. The following afternoon she woke up naked and sore in her producer’s bed with no recollection of how she got there. Scared and helpless, Sebert kept quiet and did not go to the police. The harassment continued for the duration of her career.
In 2014, Kesha entered a rehabilitation facility for bulimia, a disease she claims Gottwald played a huge part in creating for her. Not only did he sexually abuse her, but he also constantly made comments on her skillset and appearance In her affidavit she recalls him calling her a “fat f*cking refrigerator.” It was not until after rehab that she realized she could no longer take the abuse, and knew that that she would not feel safe if she continued working with Dr. Luke. Finally, Kesha filed a lawsuit claiming that for a decade she was repeatedly physically and mentally abused by her producer. Dr. Luke responded to the allegations by filing a suit against Kesha and her mother for breach of contract and defamation. Dr. Luke could have potentially decreased the amount of damage from this issue by releasing the singer from her contract, but, instead, he decided to enter a lengthy, expensive battle and take even more from the 29-year-old singer.
The most recent update to this case was on February 20, 2016 when a judge denied Kesha’s request for a preliminary injunction from the label which would allow her to temporarily record music elsewhere for the duration of the case. While this does not mean Kesha has lost her battle, it does not look like a good sign for the future. Of course, there are many complications to this case. There is lack of evidence, and it doesn’t help Kesha’s side that a few years back she stated under oath that she and Dr. Luke had never had any physical relations. However, Kesha explains how she was terrified: “I specifically remember him telling me that if I ever tried to get away from him for any reason that he would tie me up in litigation until my career was over.” That is exactly what Dr. Luke is doing. It is unfortunate that the judges cannot see that. There might not be a lot of physical evidence, but there should not have to be. Her words and crippled face should be telling enough. “I know I cannot work with Dr. Luke. I physically cannot. I do not feel safe in any way,” Kesha said in her affidavit. Yes, Kesha’s contract was heavily negotiated, but nobody ever negotiated the possibility of her producer harassing and degrading her for years. There has to be a loophole for a situation like this. The judge, the court and the country cannot force this girl to continue working with someone who is a constant threat to her physical and mental safety.
While Sony has said that Kesha would not have to ever be in a room with Dr. Luke again, it does not really change the fact that her rapist would have control over her for the rest of her life. While he may not make a physical appearance, the man who abused her for a decade would still play a major part in her life and benefit from her success. For a year and half, Kesha has been fighting for her safety and freedom. She made a simple request to be able to continue doing what she loves while she deals with the madness that is this trial. That request was denied. Dr. Luke continues to control her life. He will continue to drain her until every last drop is gone. From the looks of it, the court will let him.
Fortunately for Kesha, her plethora of supporters are not going to let that happen. Dozens of celebrities such as Demi Lovato, Lady Gaga, Lorde, Lena Dunham, Halsey, Kelly Clarkson and many more have tweeted and shared their love and support using the hashtag #FreeKesha. Taylor Swift donated $250,000 to the cause. Kesha has expressed her gratitude for all of the love and encouragement she has received.
While light has recently been shed on rape culture, it is surprising that still so little is actually being done about it. It is great that education on the subject is increasing but, we cannot stop there, justice must be served. One victim at a time. Rape and abuse is much more common than people believe. We cannot keep accusing women of being “a girl who cried rape.” Kesha, just like so many other girls, is not lying. She is not making up some elaborate tale just to get out of a contract. She may have not come forward at first but what matters is that she is speaking out now. It doesn’t matter if it was a day, a year or ten years ago, every victim of sexual assault still deserves justice and peace. Issues like this cannot keep being pushed under the rug. It’s time to stop ignoring it or justifying it. Abuse is abuse. Kesha should not have to live the rest of her life in fear. Nobody should. It is time to acknowledge how prevalent rape is in our world and it is time to take action. A huge case like this could set the stage for millions of other girls who have had similar experiences to come forward. Instead, this case will make girls more scared to speak out. It is disgusting that people are accusing Kesha, or any girl of lying about something like this. Society tells us that it is now okay to seek help when it comes to rape and abuse but how can anyone do that when the second we do, we are shut down? We are told we’re exaggerating or lying. America has progressed greatly but, this case is reverting much of that. It is 2016 and rape is still being covered up and dismissed, the abused are still made to seem at fault. It is time to stop placing the blame on the victims. It is time to stop ignoring the issue. It is time for girls to feel safe in the world that they live in.
All Kesha wants is to be able to do what she loves without having to face someone who made her feel so worthless every single day. Without being reminded of how weak he made her feel or, picturing him assaulting her every single time she goes to work. All she wants is to not live the rest of her life in continuous fear, to finally have peace after a decade of torture. Is that so much to ask?
On Wednesday, March 9 Kesha was set free—Sony dropped her abuser, Dr. Luke from their label after the #FreeKesha campaign exploded all over the news. Finally, she is free from years of mental and physical torture. While it is great the Kesha has been freed however, the only reason she was freed was because of all the negative attention the case brought upon Sony and Dr. Luke. Had the #FreeKesha movement been less popular, it is highly likely that Sony would have continued fighting against Kesha. They let Dr. Luke go not because they believed he was guilty or what he did was wrong but, because they did not want to tarnish their reputation.
Kesha and her fans are thrilled she is free and can finally begin to live in peace. However, it is disappointing that the only reason she was freed was based on reputation rather than what is morally correct. Kesha’s case should be a model for similar cases like hers of what not to do. For over a year the star had to fight to finally be free of over ten years of misery. It is not alright that it took so long for her to be freed. It is not alright that it took so long for people to believe her, for people to realize that she was not at fault. One day, a victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse will not have to be afraid to come forward with their experience. One day they will receive only support in return. One day, people will stop looking for ways to blame the abused. One day, sufferers will get justice for what has been done to them without being ostracized in the process. It’s time to start making that day today.
