Despite claiming the top honour at the BRIT Awards today, powerhouse singer Adele made sure at least some of the attention went to her fellow artist Kesha, who continues to fight a legal battle against her producer and record label.
As she accepted the award for British Female Solo Artist from One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne, Adele made a short but powerful statement about the embattled ‘Timber’ singer.
“To come back after so long away and be so warmly received is really lovely, thank you so much,” Adele began.
“To all the other girls that are nominated, thank you for letting me be in your company. You’re all incredible, you’re all amazing and it’s a privilege to be alongside you,” she said.
“I’d like to take a quick second just to thank my management and my record label for embracing the fact that I’m a woman and being encouraged by it, and I’d also like to take this moment to publicly support Kesha.”
Adele is just the latest in a long line of stars who have publicly supported Kesha in her fight to be released from her contract with Sony Music and producer Dr Luke, who the singer says subjected her to physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse over a period of 10 years.
Adele made a public show of support for Kesha as she accepted her BRIT Award. Photo: Getty
Days after a judge blocked an injunction that would have allowed Kesha to record new music with other parties; Taylor Swift confirmed she was giving the singer $250,000 to “help with any of her financial needs during this trying time”.
Lorde has also spoken out about Kesha, urging fans to “send good vibes her way”, and others (including Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga and Lily Allen) have also tweeted their support.
Today, Kesha penned a lengthy Facebook post thanking everyone who had come forward for her.
“I’m so, so beyond humbled and thankful for all of the support I’ve received from everyone,” she wrote.
“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.”
She went on to write that her lawsuit was not about trying to get a better deal out of her current contract, but that it was about “being free from my abuser”.
Kesha with Dr Luke at the ASCAP Pop Music Awards in 2011. Photo: Getty
However, not every celebrity has chosen to side with Kesha. When asked about the issue, talk show host Wendy Williams said “unfortunately, business is business”.
“If everybody complained because somebody allegedly sexually abused them and was ripping them off, then contracts would be broken all the time.”
In his own statement, Dr Luke (real name Lukasz Gottewald) denied the allegations and accused Kesha of putting him through “trial by Twitter”.
“Kesha and her counsel have cavalierly subjected Dr Luke and his family to trial by Twitter, using a vicious smear campaign to ruin his reputation for financial gain while failing to support their claims,” the statement read.
