#FreeKesha Protest Becomes Sony Love Fest on News Dr. Luke Will Be Dropped
“I could not be happier and applaud Sony for finally answering the calls,” organizer says
Tim Kenneally | March 9, 2016 @ 1:32 PM
Last Updated: March 9, 2016 @ 2:54 PM
Kesha fans will still be descending on Sony’s New York headquarters on Friday — but now it will be to praise the music company, not condemn it.
A planned protest for Friday is being transformed into a celebratory gathering, following TheWrap’s report that Sony is planning to sever its ties with Kesha producer Dr. Luke, who Kesha has accused of sexually abusing her.
The organizers of a Care2 petition for the “Tik Tok” singer will hold a “rally in support of Kesha and in gratitude for Sony’s decision at the company’s New York City headquarters on Friday at 2:00 p.m.,” according to a press release issued Wednesday.
“I could not be happier and applaud Sony for finally answering the calls of over 223,000 people who signed the Care2 petition urging the company to show it values the well-being of an artist over profit,” said Care2 petition organizer Michael Eisele. “We pledged not to stop fighting until Kesha was free, and Sony cutting ties with Dr. Luke means our movement has left its mark. Our Friday rally at Sony headquarters will still take place, this time as a thank-you to the company for taking the opportunity to stand with a woman who has fought so hard for her creative freedom.”
Initially, the plan was to deliver signatures from four petitions calling for Kesha’s release from her Sony contract.
Kesha is suing Dr. Luke in a lawsuit that also names Sony, alleging that the producer sexually and emotionally abused her. The producer (real name: Lukasz Gottwald) has denied the allegations.
In February, the singer was shot down in her bid to be released from her Sony contract. However, she received widespread support from fans as well as celebrities including Lady Gaga, Adele and Taylor Swift.
As reported by TheWrap on Wednesday, Sony is now expected to end its relationship with Gottwald a year ahead of his contract’s expiration.
“There is no contest. Kesha has no case in regards to her contract, but they can’t afford the Adeles of the world out in the streets calling the label unsupportive,” one insider told TheWrap. “The fact that this hasn’t already been taken care of with Luke is confusing, especially for people in the building.”
It’s currently unknown how Sony intends to free itself from its relationship with Gottwald, whose contract with the company is due to expire in early 2017.
Kesha vs. Dr. Luke: 20 Stars Who Have Taken Her Side (Photos)
Taylor Swift On Monday, Swift donated $250,000 "to help [Kesha] with any of her financial needs during this trying time," said her rep.
Getty Images
Kelly Clarkson Clarkson tweeted, "Trying 2 not say anything since I can't say anything nice about a person... so this is me not talking about Dr. Luke," on Friday in support of Kesha's legal battle. Dr. Luke produced Clarkson's "Since You Been Gone" in 2004.
Getty Images
Ariana Grande The singer tweeted, "My heart is with @KeshaRose." Buzzfeed also revealed that Grande deleted a 6-year-old tweet where she revealed her love for "that man." A fan had tweeted at Grande, saying "you need to delete this fast," and Grande complied.
Getty Images
Lady Gaga Gaga, who recently revealed that she herself was raped at 19, tweeted, "There are people all over the world who love you @KeshaRose. And I can say truly I am in awe of your bravery."
Getty Images
Demi Lovato Lovato tweeted her support as well. She posted a series of tweets about female empowerment, one of which read, "Frustrating to see women come forward with their past only to be shot down, not believed & disrespected for their bravery in taking action."
Getty Images
Sara Bareilles The singer tweeted, "I send you love @KeshaRose" on Friday.
Getty Images
Lorde The New Zealand singer also took to Twitter to show her support, tweeting, "standing with @KeshaRose through this traumatic, deeply unfair time. send good vibes her way everyone."
Getty Images
Annalynne McCord The "90210" actress posted a video to Twitter, revealing her support and outrage over the situation.
Getty Images
HAIM Using the hashtag #FreeKesha, the HAIM sisters tweeted, "We love you and support you @kesharose you are the strongest, most brave friend we have and we stand by you forever. #freekesha"
Lily Allen On Friday, the British singer tweeted, "My thoughts are with @KeshaRose today. I'm sorry you've had to endure this experience."
Getty Images
Halsey The singer, whose real name is Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, tweeted Friday, "Disgusted by anyone in power positions abusing their authority. My heart breaks for Kesha and all people affected by this toxicity. Fuck."
Getty Images
Madison Beer The singer posted a number of tweets in which she showed her support to Kesha. When a fan said to her that Kesha's name trending on Twitter won't do anything to help, Beer responded, "but at least it might be putting a smile on her face & that's what she needs. to know she has support & love. "
Getty Images
Iggy Azalea Azalea posted a series of tweets on Saturday, one of which read, "Im not accusing anyone of anything, but I believe Kesha deserves the ability to move forward, create and earn a living."
Getty Images
JoJo The singer posted a picture of Kesha crying in court with the caption, "these pictures truly broke my heart today."
Getty Images
Lilly Singh The YouTube star took to Twitter to show her support for Kesha and also to urge women to come together and not to "start pointing at other women." "This has really affected my day... @KeshaRose I will effing ride with you girl. Stay strong. Sincerely, your sisters x."
Getty Images
Margaret Cho The actress has been retweeting articles as well as tweets from Kesha's mom, and thanked fans for supporting Kesha in her legal battle.
Getty Images
Bea Miller Miller also posted multiple tweets in which the singer express her "disgust" about the situation, and urged her followers to scroll through the hashtag to get informed.
Getty Images
Alessia Cara The Canadian singer took to Twitter to post, "no one should be denied freedom from their abuser, nor freedom of their creativity."
Getty Images
Aly and AJ Michalka The sisters tweeted, "You should be released from your contract and free to begin your recovery from this. God Bless You @KeshaRose #FreeKesha."
Getty Images
Mariska Hargitay The actress tweeted her support: "For many survivors, speaking out is the hardest part. It’s also only the first step. Sending u strength @KeshaRose as u move through this."
1 of 21
So far, at least 20 female stars have come together to express their support and outrage using the hashtag #FreeKesha