By Kaitie Christenberry | Echo
In the Kesha v. Gottwald and Sony case, no evidence has come forward to support Kesha's claims that her producer, Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald), raped and abused her for a decade. Her only corroboration is her mother, whom she called after waking up one morning in Dr. Luke's bed naked, sore and confused as to how she got there. Kesha claims Dr. Luke gave her alcohol and a "sober pill" the night before, which turned out to be GHB, known as the date rape drug. This is only one of many instances Kesha reported to her lawyers.
The New York County Supreme Court denied her preliminary injunction to release music separate of Kemosabe Records until a verdict is reached. They denied it because of the "irreparable harm" that could come to Sony Music Entertainment (SME) if it were to release her from contract.
What kind of legal system do we have that values a company's assets over the well-being of an individual? And the potential "irreparable harm" that would befall Sony? What about the irreparable harm done to Kesha? If it were the daughter of a justice, one of Sony's employees or another prominent individual, that woman would be released from her contract immediately.
I understand why SME might not want to release Kesha when she has four records left in her contract. It could turn out her rape accusations are false, and she simply wants to extort money and move to a different record label. But if those accusations do turn out to be true, Sony would be forcing this woman to continue to work under her rapist.
Kesha's case isn't just about Kesha. This case could encourage women and men forced to work with their abusers to feel safe enough to come forward and finally be free from abuse. A positive verdict might restore some faith in the justice system, that it will do its job and protect the people, not corporations.
Kemosabe Records and the New York County courts stated that Kesha has the ability to continue releasing music. Sony promised she could work without Dr. Luke present, and that they would assign her a new producer.
I challenge Sony to take it one step further and allow her to work at another studio, under another label. They would still have a portion of the royalties. Allow her to maintain her career. Give Kesha the opportunity to grow as an artist, and grant her the rights each citizen has: freedom. Allow Kesha to make music without the fear of her abuser stepping in and having control of her life or her career.
