Why we should stand with Kesha

When I saw the pictures of Kesha, sat crying in a courtroom, I was hurt. As much as the legal process has been followed and the verdict should be respected, it still feels so wrong. There are numerous reasons why I am standing with Kesha.

I’ve been a fan of Kesha for the best part of six years. I remember buying all of her albums. They were fun, they were upbeat and they couldn’t be further removed from the current situation.

Kesha recently raised a court case against her producer Lukasz Gottwald, better known as Dr Luke. This lawsuit accuses him of crimes including sexual assault, sexual harassment and battery. She will have to continue working for Dr Luke.

When I saw the pictures of Kesha, sat crying in a courtroom, I was hurt

It disgusts me that her own personal safety will be put on the line for the sake of money and profit. The persona of the party-girl fell away. Her vulnerability normalised her. Behind the veil of Kesha’s persona, a woman was revealed who has been hurt in the most intrusive way possible.

Putting aside the fame or success, Kesha is just a woman. Unfortunately she is in the same position as many others who face sexual assault, harassment or rape, like the writer of a previous anonymous Comment article.

The article – simply entitled “I was raped” – highlights how significant the impacts rape and sexual assault are. It is this sort of bravery, these sort of prolific cases which are a catalyst for real change.

It is this sort of bravery, these sort of prolific cases which are a catalyst for real change

I will contribute tenfold to the outrage at Kesha’s case. Especially if this outrage actually brings about real support for victims.
Any woman could be trapped in a workplace with an abuser either contractually or because of financial obligations. The verdict of this case sets a terrible precedent for other women who wish to pursue their own cases.

The nature of this case suggests that a woman is only worth her body. Her intellect, worth and quality of life are not valued. Her own mental health is not valued.

Kesha publicly went into rehab to get help for an eating disorder. Her mental and physical health are clearly both suffering as a result of her contract.

Any woman could be trapped in a workplace with an abuser

If not for finding Dr Luke guilty of sexual assault, the contract should have been voided at least for Kesha’s own wellbeing.
Proving sexual assault is a minefield for any woman.

I can only imagine that this is even more tedious for a woman who is under a huge, intrusive media spotlight. Not everyone is a fan of Kesha or her music, but we must put aside our presumptions and look at the bare bones of the situation.

Kesha is a young woman who has been victim of a terrible series of crimes over a long period of time. In bringing this case to court she risks not only her career but, unfortunately, her own reputation.

In bringing this case to court she risks not only her career but, unfortunately, her own reputation

We should stand with Kesha because in standing with Kesha we stand with every woman who has ever been sexually assaulted, sexually harassed or raped. I know that Kesha deserves justice but more than anything she finally deserves peace.