Kesha Lawsuit: #FreeKesha Movement Sparks Up After Artist Is Blocked From Billboard Music Awards Performance [VIDEO]
She is reportedly free to record any music she wants without approval from her former producer Dr. Luke, but singer Kesha's not being freed from her contract with his company had led to her now no longer being able to perform at the Billboard Music Awards.
The singer took to her Instagram account to announce that her tribute to Bob Dylan was no longer going to happen after Dr. Luke and his company have barred her from taking to the stage to perform her tribute, after they got word she was potentially going to use the slot to discuss her struggle.
A photo posted by Kesha (@iiswhoiis) on May 17, 2016 at 3:57pm PDT
"I was very excited to perform a tribute to Bob Dylan by singing a cover of 'It ain't me, babe' at the Billboard awards this year. I'm very sad and sorry to say I won't be allowed to do this," she captioned a photo. "I just wanted to make very clear that this performance was about me honoring one of my favorite songwriters of all time and has never had anything at all to do with Dr. Luke. I was never going to use a picture of him, speak of him or allude to my legal situation in any way. I simply wanted to sing a song I love to honor an artist I have always looked up to. Thank u all for the continued support."
The ongoing struggle lends credence to the argument that not allowing Kesha to be freed from her contract does allow Dr. Luke to undermine her career by keeping her unable to perform songs and force her career to tank. Because of that other artists, most notable, Lady Gaga, has now resparked the social media movement to free the singer completely from the struggle she is going through.
Isn't it strange that it's legal to own a woman this way? Listen Ursula, we want her voice back. #freeKesha https://t.co/rifG9nWRWw — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) May 19, 2016
"Isn't it strange that it's legal to own a woman this way? Listen Ursula, we want her voice back. #freeKesha," she wrote.
Others, mostly fans, have since also spoken out on social media supporting the singer, and threatening to boycott the awards show if Kesha is not allowed to perform.
@Ludacris PLEASE speak in support of @KeshaRose at the @BBMAs ! She needs this and we know you'll do it! #FreeKesha
— #TrueColors (@KeshasBFFL) May 19, 2016
.@TheDoctorLuke has blocked Kesha from performing at #BBMAs. I'm boycotting the show! Sign to #FreeKesha: https://t.co/mgSssXx4W7 @Care2 — Bill Fisk (@fiskw) May 19, 2016
I pledge to boycott #BBMAs unless Kesha performs! https://t.co/FhW9y4GY6M #FreeKesha @Care2 @TheDoctorLuke
— Diana Roby (@RobyDianaroby02) May 19, 2016
Even if I wasn't a Kesha fan...this whole situation is fucked up #freekesha https://t.co/XVTOKv9P0C — sammyfowles (@sammyfowles) May 19, 2016
Absolutely ridic that Dr. Luke continues to ignore public outcry over his capricious hold of Kesha's creative freedom. #FreeKesha #BBMAs
— Mayra Mendoza (@peppyMiss) May 19, 2016
#freekesha because apparently the world doesn't listen unless something starts trending on a social media platform — Umair (@UShivji) May 19, 2016
However, it appears an agreement may have been reached, and Kesha now has the ability to perform, after her reassurance that she wouldn't highlight their ongoing struggle while onstage.
