Female pop stars are reacting with shock and indignation to the New York Supreme Court’s decision to deny pop star Kesha’s preliminary request to get out of her contract with Sony Music and producer Dr. Luke, who she’s suing for rape and emotional abuse.
Taylor Swift has now donated $250,000 to the singer to “help with any of her financial needs during this time,” joining a host of singers showing their support—including Demi Levato, Lily Allen, Lorde, Ariana Grande, Sara Bareilles, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Kelly Clarkson. Many have personally worked with Dr. Luke.
Under her current contract, Kesha required to record her next six albums with Dr. Luke. Kesha first filed suit against Dr. Luke (real name Lukasz Gottwald) in October 2014, accusing him of drugging her, raping her, “sexual assault and battery,” “gender violence,” and “unfair business practices,” among other things. The producer’s lawyers argue Kesha’s allegations have been made up in an attempt for the singer to get out of her contract.
Fiona Apple, who has publicly spoken about sexual abuse in her own past, wrote on a cardboard sign posted to Instagram this weekend: “I am so angry for you. They were wrong. I’m so sorry.”
Many of the pop stars are using the #FreeKesha hashtag that trended on Twitter for much of the weekend to voice their indignation at the judge’s denial of Kesha’s request.
Friday’s decision saw Kesha sitting in tears in the courtroom—an image that has resonated widely across the music community.