“If Kesha now regrets that her career is mired in legal proceedings, it’s entirely of her making.”
This sentence, part of a statement that Dr. Luke’s lawyer issued last September after Kesha sued the songwriter-producer for emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, encapsulates rape culture’s strong hold on modern society. It may as well have said, “Kesha brought this on herself.”
Although the sentence is couched in formal jargon typical of legal statements, it’s really just plain old victim-blaming—something we see far too often in high-profile sexual assault cases.
Kesha sued Dr. Luke in October 2014 after she checked herself into rehab for an eating disorder allegedly fueled by his decade-long abuse (the singer claimed it began after she signed with him at age 18). In response, Dr. Luke filed his own lawsuit, claiming that Kesha was trying to “extort” a release from her contract.
The singer, who dropped the “$” from her name as a way of rebranding, emerged from rehab in March 2014 with a new attitude of self-acceptance. Kesha later told fans she was “dying” to put out new music, but that it wasn’t possible since she was still contractually obligated to work with Dr. Luke and Sony Music.
Then came the moment of truth.
Despite receiving support from fans rallying outside the New York courthouse, and from those online who caused the hashtag #FreeKesha to start trending on Twitter, Kesha experienced a major setback on Friday: A judge denied her injunction to record music without Dr. Luke.
The singer’s decision to speak out about her alleged abuse is consistent with the kind of music she creates—that is, largely feminist and sex-positive. Unfortunately, the public and media have incorrectly pigeonholed Kesha as a talentless party girl who puts out the occasional banger, just because she unapologetically embraces ratchet culture.
kesha's decision to speak out about her alleged abuse is consistent with the kind of music she creates—that is, largely feminist and sex-positive.
Whether she’s praising cunnilingus in her breakout single “Right Round” with Flo Rida, or subverting gender roles by trying to sleep with a drunk guy who talks way too much in “Blah Blah Blah” (“Don’t be a little bitch with your chit chat, just show me where your dick’s at!”), her lyrics are rife with references to female sexual freedom.
But in the case of both her public image and lawsuit against Dr. Luke, Kesha is being punished for her outspokenness. As with other women who’ve come forward with abuse allegations against high-profile men, some have called the singer an attention-seeker, or said she “brought it upon herself”—perhaps because of her perceived public persona. People will likely continue shaming her following Friday’s outcome.
I don’t have any authority to say what’s true or false, but I hope Kesha’s case will remind society of the incredible amount of power men hold over women both in the music industry and at large. I hope we consider what an isolating experience it must be to deal with lengthy court proceedings while coping with emotional trauma. And I hope people understand that it’s never okay to believe a woman had it coming—even if she’s unabashedly sexy and sloppy.
With files from Anita Li
