Over 215,000 People Stand With Kesha To Boycott Her Record Label

Having first filed a lawsuit against producer Lukasz Gottwald — or Dr Luke, as he's known in the industry — in 2014, pop star Kesha has found herself unable to cancel her contract with Sony, after a ruling over the weekend stated her contract with the record label was "typical for the industry" and would need to be upheld. 

Kesha claims she has been emotionally, verbally and sexually abused by the producer since she was 18, though she is now required to create another eight albums with the label, though some have reported it's six. As NY Daily News reports, Sony has offered to let Kesha work with another producer, though Kesha's lawyer claims the suggestion is "illusory" as Sony would not promote the albums as heavily as if they were created with Gottwald.

The industry has erupted in uproar over the ruling, with artists like Lady Gaga, Lorde, Demi Lovato, Best Coast, Adam Lambert and many more claiming they "stand with Kesha" in this unjust time. Taylor Swift has also donated $250,000 to Kesha, a representative stating, "In a show of support, Taylor Swift has donated $250,000 to Kesha to help with any of her financial needs during this trying time."

Thousands of fans, feminists and fellow human beings — 215,027 at present count — have signed a Change.org petition to boycott Sony, claiming they would not stand against Sony's "manipulative and money hungry acts and [refusal] to by [sic] music/products from a band that abuses their artists like this!" They also cite the late Michael Jackson's protest against Sony as evidence that this is not the first time the label has "done something awful to an artist". 

#FreeKesha this is only gonna make you stronger, you brave and beautiful girl. Prayers are with you @KeshaRose

— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) February 20, 2016

I support you @KeshaRose #freekesha

— Kate Nash (@katenash) February 21, 2016

There are people all over the world who love you @KeshaRose. And I can say truly I am in awe of your bravery.

— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) February 19, 2016

My thoughts are with @KeshaRose today. I'm sorry you've had to endure this experience.

— lily (@lilyallen) February 19, 2016

My heart is with @KeshaRose.

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) February 19, 2016

standing with @KeshaRose through this traumatic, deeply unfair time. send good vibes her way everyone

— Lorde (@lorde) February 19, 2016

I don't know all the facts, of course, but the bottom line is: it is a terrible feeling to not own your voice/ be able to release music.

— JoJo (@iamjojo) February 19, 2016

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

Chin up @KeshaRose - thinkin of u. #FreeKesha

— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) February 21, 2016

So bummed by all the artist who have worked with Dr. Luke who aren't saying ANYTHING about #freekesha

— Brendan Lukens (@brenbrennnn) February 20, 2016

Apparently we live in a world where rape is not a big deal? We should all be disgusted with that ruling. Women are not protected! #FreeKesha

— Dallas Smith (@dallassmith) February 20, 2016

You should be released from your contract and free to begin your recovery from this. God Bless You @KeshaRose #FreeKesha

— Aly & AJ Michalka (@alyandaj) February 20, 2016

absolutely nothing should be valued more than a person's life & well-being. not money, not power, not patriarchy, not a contract. #freekesha

— Tyler Ford (@tywrent) February 20, 2016

Im not accusing anyone of anything, but i believe Kesha deserves the ability to move forward, create and earn a living.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) February 20, 2016

If you don't see why this Kesha issue is a big deal, you're part of the problem. This is exactly why I speak up the way I do #FreeKesha

— Best Coast (@BestCoast) February 19, 2016

Overnight, fans have also discovered an old tweet from Dr Luke to Kesha, sending it viral to draw attention to the fact that it was posted six years ago.

@keshasuxx ... I'm worried about what THEY gonna do!!!!... from me you just your usual spanking for being bad!!!! :-P

— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 4, 2010