Kesha's Legal Battle: 23 Celebs Who Joined the #FreeKesha Movement
by Naomi Lane at . Updated at .Stars are coming out left and right to support Kesha, who is embroiled in a legal battle with Dr. Luke, the music producer who she accused of sexually, emotionally and physically abusing her.
A judge denied the singer's request to be released from her recording contract under Dr. Luke's label, meaning she is legally obligated to record six more albums under her alleged abuser's direction.
Since the ruling, the pop singer has received an outpouring of support from fans and celebrities alike. Here are some of the stars who have publicly spoken out to #FreeKesha.
1. Lady Gaga
The day of the fateful ruling, Lady Gaga quickly took to Twitter to express support, tweeting, "There are people all over the world who love you @KeshaRose. And I can say truly I am in awe of your bravery." In 2014, Lady Gaga revealed she had been raped by a music producer as well.
2. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift donated money toward Kesha's cause. "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," a representative for Swift wrote in a statement.
3. Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato tweeted prayers for Kesha, but also took a stand in a series of posts expressing her frustration over sexism in the legal system. "Frustrating to see women come forward with their past only to be shot down, not believed & disrespected for their bravery in taking action."
4. Adele
Adele made room in her acceptance speech when she won a BRIT Award for best British Female Solo Artist. She first thanked her management and record label for "embracing the fact that I'm a woman and being encouraged by it," then added, "I'd also like to take this moment to publicly support Kesha."
5. Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham expressed her disgust about Kesha's case in her newsletter Lenny. "When I saw the outcome of Kesha's court case last Friday, I felt sick," she wrote, and ended her essay with the hope that "soon, no one will accept shame and fear as the status quo."
6. Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway took to Instagram and wrote, "I stand with @iiswhoiis [Kesha's Instagram handle]." She directed fans to read Lena Dunham's essay on the subject, then wrote, "Kesha's situation is just one of all-too-many examples of how the legal system in this country fails to protect victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, the vast majority of whom are women."
