#FreeKesha By Allison Pinski

A judge recently decided to hold recording artist Kesha to her contract with Sony producer Dr. Luke, who not only “allegedly” physically and emotionally abused her, but actually did. This goes beyond the legality of recording contracts; after this ruling, it has become very clear that a woman’s health and safety concerns are not enough of a reason to free her from a recording contract with a toxic individual.

This lawsuit is not recent; according to The Rolling Stone, it was filed in California in October 2014, but petitions for #FreeKesha started as early as 2013.

As a result of the court’s decision, celebrities and fans alike have come together to work to address what happened (and is currently happening to Kesha), as well as addressing what women face in the music industry. Celebrities include Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Lady Gaga.

I'm so, so beyond humbled and thankful for all of the support I'vereceived from everyone. Words cannot really express...

Posted by Kesha on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

While there has been some arguing between supporters over the best approach to helping Kesha (like Demi’s criticism of Taylor for donating to Kesha as opposed to addressing the broader issue), the main argument still stands; what happened to Kesha should not be allowed to happen to anyone else.

Kesha isn’t the only artist Dr. Luke has abused. Charli XCX quoted him in a 2014 tweet (below), claiming that he told her she needed to lose weight. He’s also reportedly had altercations with artists like Demi Lovato (refusing to give her a sing when she wouldn’t make it her second single off of “Confidence,” and Becky G). You can see more of those here.

"she better lose some weight if she wants to be a popstar" - gross/ugh/lol

— CHARLI XCX (@charli_xcx) June 15, 2014

So join the #FreeKesha movement and help open up the discussion about abuse within the music industry. If you’re interested in reading more about the Dr. Luke lawsuit, you can check out these articles by The Guardian, Buzzfeed, and Vogue. You can also check out the FreeKesha website for more information.

Disgusted by anyone in power positions abusing their authority. My heart breaks for Kesha and all people affected by this toxicity. Fuck.

— HALSEY (@halsey) February 19, 2016

I don't even know what I would do... I only hope she can find peace and find a way to continue to create express herself without fear.

— HALSEY (@halsey) February 19, 2016

The difference between how they treat women and how they treat men is shocking! #FreeKesha #SonySupportsRape pic.twitter.com/sv0GHjHvdV

— Feminist (@ltsFeminism) February 22, 2016

Everyone NEEDS to see Kesha's official statement #FreeKesha pic.twitter.com/Yvy4szPUqR

— Music's Rebellion (@MusicsRebellion) February 24, 2016

Frustrating to see women come forward with their past only to be shot down, not believed & disrespected for their bravery in taking action

— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) February 21, 2016

Happens way too often. I'm ready for women to be taken just as seriously as men..

— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) February 21, 2016

Someone tell me why anyone would ever feel brave enough to come forward if they are most likely to be ignored or called a liar?

— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) February 21, 2016

As most people know, I tend to get fired up about the things I believe in, and although my heart and intentions are always in the right place, unfortunately sometimes my passion gets the best of me and causes me to say things that I probably shouldn't say. And when doing so it takes away from the real reason I am speaking up in the first place. Our focus should be on the topic of victims of sexual and physical abuse being afraid to come forward with their stories. They're more likely to face retaliation and harassment than to see justice being served. Especially women. It baffles me that when it comes to serious issues like equality and abuse, too often women are not taken as seriously as men. All I want to see is women coming together and actually making a difference. A real change and shift in society. Everyone has their own way of giving support to others , and at the end of the day, helping victims is all that matters. Ultimately, the message I want people to hear is it's okay to come forward with your abuse and if you do decide to take action, you are not alone.

A photo posted by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Feb 22, 2016 at 4:02pm PST

stop protecting men who rape.

stop valuing money, the law, and men's comfort over women's right to feel safe. #FreeKesha

— Tracy Clayton (@brokeymcpoverty) February 19, 2016

Free Kesha pic.twitter.com/8BjZXq98Qf

— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) February 24, 2016

Thank you @lenadunham for writing this. Love @lennyletter #freekesha pic.twitter.com/wvuAOk2Tas

— Jessica Chastain (@jes_chastain) February 23, 2016

Dr. Luke's camp responded to millions of us tweeting #FreeKesha with a long, ignorant response.. and I'm calling BS. pic.twitter.com/k6CUaM9n0o

— Kesha Rose (@KeshaTODAY) February 23, 2016

This is some legit bullshit #FreeKesha https://t.co/EDgIXYnoIp

— Best Coast (@BestCoast) February 19, 2016

really disappointing to hear about this kesha case. no one should be denied freedom from their abuser, nor freedom of their creativity.

— ac (@alessiacara) February 19, 2016

#BRITs2016: Adele shows her support for Kesha during acceptance speech https://t.co/FWpYXDucQp https://t.co/Dz9wDnnCFm

— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 24, 2016