I've been paying attention to the general public's reaction to the verdict regarding Kesha's lawsuit against Sony Music. The lawsuit was filed in an attempt to leave her contract. She has accused Dr. Luke of sexual assault, among other things. Dr. Luke responded with a counter suit, claiming the allegations aren't true and the claims are defaming to his character. Kesha appeared in a New York City court on Friday and the judge denied her request to terminate the contract.
It seems like the majority of people are on Kesha's side and believe her allegations against Dr. Luke are true. I've done my best to look into the story and haven't been able to find any evidence or indications that her allegations are true. From what I've seen, it's just her word against his. I'm not saying she's lying. I'm not taking either side here. I'm remaining neutral, because I think it's only fair in this particular case.
But I'm wondering why so many just automatically believe Dr. Luke is guilty. Is it because Kesha is the public figure that everybody is familiar with, while Dr. Luke is just a producer who works behind-the-scenes? Is it because a female is accusing a male? Would things be different if the gender roles were reversed and a male was accusing a female? Would people be more fair and balanced in their views then?
As far as I'm concerned, it's pretty sad that the court of public opinion will brand someone a rapist without much evidence or indications to the contrary. If you ask me, that goes against what the legal system in America is all about.
The Bill Cosby case was different, because you had over 40 women making similar allegations with nothing to gain in return. As far as I'm concerned, that's enough of an indication to make me believe in his guilt. I applaud those women for speaking out. However, in this case, it's just her word against his.
I'm not trying to dissuade people who have been sexually assaulted from coming forward. I think it's very important to do so. I'm just saying that unless you know the person, have evidence, or saw indications to prove the claims, it's only fair to remain neutral. There are plenty of people who will make false allegations against someone just to tear them down, even if that means hurting themselves in the process. I'm not saying that's what Kesha is doing, but I've heard stories like that time and time again.
I've heard people say that women who claim they've been raped shouldn't be questioned. The problem with that is, you need to be questioned when you bring someone up on charges. It would be unfair and dangerous to find someone guilty just because you're taking the accuser's word for it. That's not how the American justice system works. We have the right to be tried in a court of law by a jury of our peers. If a woman was accused of raping a man, how would those people feel if she were jailed just because the man said so?
The point is, it's not fair to believe someone is guilty of committing a crime without any proof or indications. If the accused was innocent all along, that kind of soiled reputation could ruin their life. They could lose their job, friends, and even family. Any chance they had at rebuilding their career would also be inconceivable. Nobody would want to take a chance at receiving so much negative publicity.
I've said this before, but it bears repeating: I'm not saying Kesha is lying. I'm not taking either side in this case. I'm remaining neutral and I think other people should do the same. I applaud Kesha for speaking up if her allegations are true. Nobody should ever have to experience something like that. If anyone reading this has been the victim of sexual assault, speak up and tell someone. It's not your fault and there are people out there who will support you.