ROGERS PARK — Before Kesha takes the stage at Loyola's Gentile Arena Friday, some Loyola students are planning a glitter-filled rally in support of the singer — while also protesting "rape culture."
The event springs from a decision made Friday by a judge in State Supreme Court in Manhattan that said Kesha, whose real name is Kesha Rose Sebert, could not break the recording contract she signed as a teenager with producer Dr. Luke (whose real name is Lukasz Sebastian Gottwald).
The ruling essentially means she is technically free to record her own music, but that Sony will not promote any of it.
Kesha has alleged that Dr. Luke emotionally, mentally and sexually abused her over the years and has caused her in the past to develop an eating disorder, for which she sought treatment in a Chicago suburb in 2014.
Melissa Haggerty, a junior at Loyola and an organizer of the event, said the judge's ruling was a "clear indication of just how pervasive rape culture is in the U.S. especially."
Haggerty said Friday's rally would also include a demand to Sony to release Kesha from her contract.
A week after the ruling, Kesha will be performing at Loyola's Gentile Arena as part of the university's Colossus 2016 show — an annual event that features well-known comedians and performers.
They're spreading the word by using the #LoyolaWithKesha hashtag, and are encouraging their fellow students to celebrate the singer.
thank you for all the support in my legal case animals. i love all of you. it's meant the world to me. xoxo pic.twitter.com/arHNPSxFs8
— kesha (@KeshaRose) February 18, 2016
Before the show, an online event says students are planning a rally from 5:45-8 p.m. outside the arena, 6511 N. Winthrop Ave., "to protest rape culture and show your support for Kesha!"
Organizers ask attendees wear teal, the color designated to show support for sexual violence awareness, make supportive posters, and "most importantly" to bring plenty of glitter.
Posters won't be allowed into the event however, at the request of Kesha's management, the event page said.
Since the judge's ruling, other celebrities have spoken out against the ruling — including Taylor Swift, who recently donated a $250,000 dress to Kesha to help her during the financially "trying time."
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