Kesha Rose Sebert is entangled in a tense legal battle over the future of her career and she suffered a brutal loss in court today—a New York judge rejected her injunction to record an album outside of Sony and super producer Dr. Luke, who she is accusing of sexual, physical, and mental abuse.
At Friday's hearing dozens of Kesha fans congregated outside the court house to support their favorite singer. They welcomed her with huge cheers as she got out of her car and were there with hugs and tears when the judge gave her decision. The FADER was also there and spoke to the protesters to ask why they'd travelled hundreds of miles, braved the chill, and coated themselves in glitter for the sake of justice.
Why do you stand with Kesha?
She's about expressing yourself and being yourself. Her music is positive and very fun. She's not allowed to put up music and express herself because of Dr. Luke. I hope that she's allowed to do whatever she wants to do, and I hope that this is the start of women getting more support from people in instances such as this.
Why do you stand with Kesha?
For the sake of art. She's a really big artist that expresses herself without any boundaries. And that's really important for women today. I remember when I first heard her music, my mom was like, "Who's that? Why is she so crazy?" And I guess I saw a little bit of myself in her.
Why do you stand with Kesha?
Her music inspired me, and I feel like she gave so much energy to me. Her music helped me through some tough times in my life, and I wanted to return the favor in her time of need.
What do you hope the outcome of today will be?
The ideal is she's granted permission to release new music, but whether she wins or loses today it doesn't really matter to me, I'm just here to support her.
Why do you stand with Kesha?
I'm a huge feminist, and I think what she's going through is absolutely awful, and I feel really strongly about it. I've been obsessed with her ever since I first heard her, since basically we're the same person.
What do you hope happens today?
I hope she gets out of her contract and that that dirtbag [Dr. Luke] goes to jail. I mean, she has to win, and she has to keep making music.
Why do you stand with Kesha?
When I needed something to help me out of a dark situation she was there for me, so I'm here supporting her the best that I can. When I first heard "Your Love Is My Drug," that just released me. I was just like, you know what? It's over. I love you. I'm not sure exactly what the stakes are today, but at the end of the day I believe the truth will set you free.
Why do you stand with Kesha?
This issue isn't really just about Kesha's fans wanting to hear more music from her, it's a human rights issue and a women's rights issue and a musician's rights issue. It should not be this easy for so many people to get away with harming women. There needs to be changes, there needs to be reform, something that will protect people and make it so that if you are abused for years, mentally and physically by your producer or manager or your boss or anyone, then you should be able to get out of the contract and still pursue what you love. Especially when she inspires so many people, you know, she doesn't deserve any of it.
Why do you stand with Kesha?
I've been supporting her for years and I don't believe anyone should have to work with their abuser. She should be able to get out of this contract and continue making music. This is America, and just because she's a celebrity doesn't mean she shouldn't have basic human rights. I'm from outside Boston, and I drove about four hours to get here this morning. I started becoming a fan around Warrior, and that's when it really began for me.
Why do you stand with Kesha?
Me and my friends are from Pittsburg. We came all this way because I never would have come out without meeting her. I'm from a rich conservative community and homophobic parents, and she gave me the strength to accept myself. The song "Love Into the Light" from Warriors is a really good song and an LGBT anthem that really inspired me. Love into the world, no hate.
And you know, the party side is just one side of her. I love everything about her. She's a vegetarian and I love animals.
What would be an ideal outcome for you today?
I've been told that judges don't favor the celebrity, but she deserves justice and freedom. It's been going on for almost three years; it's not right.
Why do you stand with Kesha?
I've never been to a protest before, I've never organized a protest before so this is all very new for me. I'm standing with Kesha because her human rights are being taken away from her, and her right to share music with the world is being taken away from her. We're here to free her so she can go back into the music industry. For the past three years, we've been working on this. We had our first petition back in 2013 and that got to 12,000 signatures. Our recent petition got to 117,000 signatures, and it's climbing still as this is going on. I want her to be free, I want her to not be under Dr. Luke's contract.
Why do you stand with Kesha?
For me she represents fun, and I don't think fun should be silenced on any kind of level especially by Sony, someone with a pretty skeezy track record on all levels. I don't care if you're 12, 28 or 108, anybody who cares about artistic freedom would be out here today. I hope she's able to get away from Sony. Nobody should have to work with their rapist, that's disgusting. It goes beyond a genre of music, whether you like it or not this issue is important and shouldn't be swept under the rug. This is a human issue, being able to express yourself on a fundamental level.
Why do you stand with Kesha?
Back when "Tik Tok" first came out I remember where I was, and I became so compelled by her message and her music. I think it's wrong that her career has been put on hold for so long, especially for a public figure who supports loving herself.
