Kesha’s electropop dance beats and powerful lyrics threw her into the spotlight in 2009. Her breakthrough album, “Animal” — including hits such as “TiK ToK,” “Blah Blah Blah” and “Your Love is My Drug” — quickly made Kesha a favorite artist of millions of teenage girls in the United States. However, Kesha has been quiet lately, as she is in the midst of a lawsuit against her record label — and producer, Dr. Luke. 

 An article on Rolling Stones’ website summarizes the two-year-long ordeal that still has not ended. In 2014, Kesha said Dr. Luke, “sexually, physically, verbally, and emotionally abused [her] to the point where [she] nearly lost her life,” Kesha then sued him in an attempt to escape all of their contracts. 

 Dr. Luke and his attorneys consequently sued Kesha in return, saying she fabricated the allegations in an attempt to void her contract with him and Kemosabe Records; a partner of Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. 

 When a judge in New York denied Kesha an injunction that would have let her record new music outside of her current label, many stars and fans took up arms in the streets and on social media defending the singer. 

However, Justice Shirley Kornreich, (the Supreme Court judge on Kesha’s case), denied the injunction because — from a legal perspective — the contract was: “heavily negotiated and typical for the industry,” according to Rolling Stone. 

 Outside the New York courthouse, many fans in glitter and brightly colored wigs gathered in protest, holding up signs reading, “Free Kesha.” After her case, Kesha left the building to meet with about 50 of her fans, according to a New York Times article. Citizens also contacted their legislators to speak up on the issue. 

 Other protests have ensued on social media. Using the hashtag #FreeKesha, female artists such as Lady Gaga, Lorde and Ariana Grande have taken to Twitter to rally behind Kesha. Taylor Swift threw in even more support, vowing to donate $250,000 to help with any financial burdens, but has not commented since.  

Demi Lovato — another popular female singer — encouraged women in the industry to express solidarity; voicing on Twitter that she was, “ready for self-proclaimed feminists to start speaking or taking action for women’s rights.”

 Lady Gaga — before her performance at the Oscars — gave a nod toward Kesha that her nominated track, “Til It Happens To You,” would be dedicated to her. Most recently, young singer Ariana Grande spoke up for Kesha on the radio, saying, “A male artist wouldn’t be in this position,” according to MTV.com. 

 Dr. Luke and his lawyers steadfastly say the allegations are false. Christine Lepera — a lawyer for Dr. Luke — holds strong that Kesha and her supporters have, “subjected Dr. Luke and his family to trial by Twitter, using a vicious smear campaign to ruin his reputation for financial gain.” 

 Kesha’s lawyers have retorted, saying she has had to halt her career because she would rather refuse to record with Dr. Luke than continue recording amidst his abuse. Although she has performed at sporadic concerts, Kesha has not released an album since “Warrior;” her second album that came out in 2012. 

 Since the injunction was denied, the conversation has been at a standstill. Judge Kornreich said in February that she requires more evidence before dismissing the case. If the case is not dismissed, the next discussion will be a phone conference scheduled for May 5, 2016 according to a recent Rolling Stones article.

According to Billboard.com, the five-year contract between Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe and Sony Music expires later this year. It is unclear whether Sony will renegotiate terms and renew the contract or sever ties with the label altogether. However, even if Sony cuts Dr. Luke, Kesha’s contract still remains. 

 This case epitomizes the fine line that courts must draw when upholding legal obligations clashes with public interest and social issues. Furthermore, it raises tensions and sheds light on the long-standing issue of sexism in the music and entertainment industry. 

 “All I ever wanted was to be able to make music without being afraid, scared, or abused,” Kesha wrote in February 2016: “This is about being free from my abuser.”