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22nd Feb 2016
In the days following the absolutely abysmal and horrifying court ruling forcing Kesha to continue working with Dr. Luke, a powerful music producer she alleges abused her, female artists have rallied to speak out in support of the singer. Lorde, Lady Gaga and Kelly Clarkson have been just some of the names who have decried the outcome of the case with public statements on Twitter.
There are people all over the world who love you @KeshaRose. And I can say truly I am in awe of your bravery.
? Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) February 19, 2016
However, one voice was notably absent in the hours following the news that Kesha could not get out of her contract with Sony and Dr. Luke – Taylor Swift, arguably the biggest female name in music following her GRAMMYs win last week and that world tour. Why wasn’t Taylor using her incredible platform to speak out about the injustice? Where was the squad?
Taylor may not have taken to Twitter to blast the music industry, but she did make a significant gesture to Kesha by gifting her $250,000. The news emerged after Kesha’s mother, Pepe Stewart, took to Twitter to share the news. She wrote the following message about the donation:
?Taylor Swift has just generously donated $250,000 to Kesha, as a show of support during this difficult time. AMAZING!!
A persons wealth is not measured by what they have but by WHO they they help with it. And Taylor Swift is is a truly RICH PERSON. Thank you.
Most important for Kesha, is that these beautiful, powerful women are standing behind her, letting the world see how powerful the truth is!?
Demi Lovato, who was vocal in her support of Kesha, took to the social network almost as soon as the news was revealed with a series of tweets seeming to say what Taylor did was not enough. She had been tweeting about the case all weekend, calling on women with influence to speak out.
I’m also ready for self-proclaimed feminists to start speaking out or taking action for women’s rights.
? Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) February 21, 2016
Women empowerment is speaking up for other women even when it’s something uncomfortable to speak up about.
? Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) February 21, 2016
Women empowerment is using your voice to help the voiceless women be heard.
? Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) February 21, 2016
Women empowerment is taking action now, not when it’s convenient.
? Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) February 21, 2016
Women empowerment is leading other women to make actual changes in our society.
? Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) February 21, 2016
Take something to Capitol Hill or actually speak out about something and then I’ll be impressed.
? Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) February 22, 2016
Taylor’s fans jumped on Demi, accusing her of making Kesha’s turmoil about her rivalry with Swift. Demi did not respond well to such comments on Instagram, writing this back to one commentator: ?At least I’m talking about it. Not everyone has 250k to just give to people. Would love to but I didn’t grow up with money and def haven’t made as much as her. At least I speak up about shit that’s uncomfortable to talk about rather than trying to be politically correct 24/7.?
Regardless of whether you’re a fan of Swift or Lovato, both have done equally important things. Taylor helped a woman whose personal and professional life has been dragged through the courts and Lovato has started a dialogue about the duty powerful women owe women less fortunate. We just wish the headlines would keep the focus on Kesha as opposed to squad slamming.