Kesha grew visibly emotional at this weekend’s Human Rights Campaign’s Nashville Equality Dinner. The singer accepted the Visibility Award for her participation in LGBT causes, and she used her speech to lend support while also thanking her fans for the same courtesy. The pop singer has seen several weeks of upheaval after the New York Supreme Court denied her request for an injunction, which would have dissolved her contract with Sony and producer Dr. Luke’s imprint, Kemosabe Records. As a result, Kesha cannot record or sell merchandise outside her relationship with Sony, although she may work with another producer.
This court decision followed a years-long legal battle between Kesha and Dr. Luke. Her request for legal relief was based upon allegations of sexual assault and emotional abuse against him. Dr. Luke subsequently defended himself on social media and unequivocally denied all allegations as “outright lies.” Kesha received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow pop stars, and she released a new song snippet as a gesture of gratitude. Her speech at the Human Rights Campaign’s event followed the same theme:
“For any of you who know, I’m going through some personal things that have been really intense and hard lately, and I just want to say thank you for any support I’ve received. My message today is don’t be afraid to speak up against any injustice you experience. Don’t let people scare or shame you into changing the things about you that make you unique. You are all beautiful, just as you are actually do something positive in the world. That’s why my message has always been about yourself, and we really have to love each other and support each other.”
In closing, Kesha asked the audience to remember that many of her song lyrics are pep talks to herself, as well. She later posted a photo to Instagram to express how “incredibly special” she felt to receive the Visibility Award, and she promised to continue the fight for human rights, which will always remain her biggest cause.
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