Kesha supporters woke up Friday morning not feeling like P. Diddy, but like prisoners when they saw the long-awaited verdict in the case of Kesha v. Dr. Luke: not guilty.
What?
More than 10 years ago, shortly after her 18th birthday, the famed pop star was allegedly drugged and raped by future record producer Dr. Luke. He never faced any charges for this attack.
On the contrary, she was practically forced to work with him through contract.
You know, because capitalism.
Dr. Luke is one of the most renowned record producers of the past 15 years. He kick-started his career with Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone,” and has gone on to produce for icons like Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus.
How can you argue with that kind of repertoire? He’s one of the main sources for all of Sony’s profits.
He’s also someone who Kesha said has abused her sexually, verbally, emotionally and physically ever since the rape.
It’s actually quite alarming how similar he is to the late and infamous record producer and songwriter Kim Fowley.
Fowley was a legendary record producer from the early ‘60s to the late ‘80s. While partially known for co-writing songs for Kiss, Alice Cooper and The Byrds, Fowley’s legacy truly resides in his management of the all-girl rock band the Runaways in the mid ‘70s.
While it would be irrational to deny Fowley’s artistic brilliance, there was a dark side to him, too. Former Runaways bass player, Jackie Fox, claimed she was drugged and raped by the record producer at the age of 16.
On top of this, Fowley would also verbally abuse the band members, all around age 15, calling them obscenities and giving them drill instructor-esque commands.
Sounds like someone we know.
There are only two differences between Fowley and Dr. Luke: Fowley proudly admitted his verbal abuse towards the band members, though died before he could comment on the rape, and the Runaways’ story has a happy ending. They fired Fowley and were able to make one last record before the band broke up two years later.
Our society failed to give Kesha such a happy ending. The judge and Sony seemed to be more concerned about the stability of a company rather than a woman’s safety.
In her complaint against Sony, Kesha said supporting Luke would place all other female artists tied with Sony in “physical danger.”
So far, no other artists have come out with claims of rape by Dr. Luke, but it’s certainly a grim possibility.
Apparently, women in the United States are considered less human than record deals.
And yet we wonder why women almost never report their rapes. Would you report your rape if you were going to be made into a laughing stock like this?
Since her contract with Sony cannot be lifted, she is forced to make three more records with Luke.
The judge gave her the option to work with another producer, but since Luke is the only record producer Sony really takes seriously, the chances of any new music being promoted is slim at best.
Fortunately, several female artists have reached out to Kesha in support, including Lady Gaga, Lorde and Ariana Grande. Taylor Swift recently donated $250,000 to the singer in an act of support.
While this level of loyalty is wonderful, Kesha is still currently being held hostage to her own art. Think of this as the equivalent to attempting to quit your job, and the corporate office of that company saying you’re not allowed to because you already agreed to work for them.
That should not be legal.
Remember Chris Brown has brutally abused several women throughout his career, yet his music career seems to be as strong as ever. Kesha, on the other hand, has to continue living and working with her abuser after a decade of enduring it.
Nothing about the verdict with Kesha is humane, and this level of misogyny should not be present in what is soon-to-be the 240th anniversary of the U.S.
As a reporter, it is my job to maintain a level of dignity and articulation in my writing. Therefore, I will sum up my thoughts on this matter the same way fans did on a banner at a 2013 concert: “Fuck Dr. Luke.”
@ a_faulds9615
