Kesha thanks entertainers 'who knowingly put their careers on the line' to support her in first statement
Read the singer's statement in full
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Your support makes all the difference.Kesha has released her first statement since a judge ruled she would not be able to make music outside of her contract terms with her record company and Dr Luke, who she alleges psychologically tormented her and raped her a decade ago.
In it, the "Tik Tok" singer thanked entertainers who she says risked their careers to publicly support her. Adele was the latest high profile person to express her support as she accepted a Brit Award on Wednesday evening.
Kesha described herself as a feminist in the statement and urged anyone who has been abused not to feel scared of speaking out.
Dr Luke has strenuously denied all of her allegations made against him, which he says are “outright lies that have been advanced to extort a contract renegotiation and money”. He also said he has been subject to a “vicious smear campaign to ruin his reputation for financial gain” and is countersuing Kesha for defamation.
Here is Kesha's statement in full:
I'm so, so beyond humbled and thankful for all of the support I've received from everyone. Words cannot really express the emotions I've gone through reading and seeing how amazing everyone has been to me. I can’t believe that so many people all over the world took the time to show me support and love. Other entertainers who knowingly put their own careers at stake by supporting me, I will be forever grateful.
All I ever wanted was to be able to make music without being afraid, scared, or abused. This case has never been about a renegotiation of my record contract – it was never about getting a bigger, or a better deal. This is about being free from my abuser. I would be willing to work with Sony if they do the right thing and break all ties that bind me to my abuser.
But at this point, this issue is bigger than just about me.
I think about young girls today – I don’t want my future daughter – or your daughter – or any person to be afraid that they will be punished if they speak out about being abused, especially if their abuser is in a position of power.
Unfortunately, I don’t think that my case is giving people who have been abused confidence that they can speak out, and that’s a problem.
But I just want to say that if you have been abused, please don’t be afraid to speak out. There are places that will make you feel safe. There are people who will help you. I for one, will stand beside you and behind you. I know now how this all feels and will forever fight for you the way perfect strangers have been fighting for me.
Yes, I am very much a feminist, but more than that, I am a humanist. I believe in supporting my fellow human beings in being SAFE.
We're all in this together. You are not alone.
I love you and thank you.
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