Adele backs Kesha at Brit awards as singer releases first statement since Dr Luke court ruling

Hello singer spoke as Kesha urged people who have been abused not to fear speaking out

Adele joined the growing number of high-profile voices using their platforms to back Kesha in her battle against her record label and Dr Luke as she took to the stage during the 2016 Brit Awards.

Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift and Lorde have all made very public displays of support after a judge ruled Kesha could not record music outside of her contract terms with Dr Luke, real name Lukas Gottwald, and his Sony label. She claims he psychologically tormented her and raped her a decade ago after allegedly drugging her with a pill which knocked her out.

Dr Luke has strenuously denied the allegations since they were first made against him in statements and is countersuing her for defamation. In a statement issued through his lawyers, he labelled the allegations “outright lies that have been advanced to extort a contract renegotiation and money”. He also said he had been subject to a “vicious smear campaign to ruin his reputation for financial gain”.

Adele shared her own very public message of solidarity as she accepted her Brit for best female solo artist.

“To come back after so long away and be so warmly received is really lovely, thank you so much,“ she said. ”And 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.

“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.

“I’d also like to take this moment to publicly support Kesha.”

Her speech came as Lady Gaga reiterated her support by sharing a picture with Kesha on Twitter showing the pair holding hands with the #freekesha hashtag used by her supporters.

The "Tik Tok" singer released her first public statement since the ruling on Friday. In it, she said the issue was now bigger than just about her and called for anyone who has been abused not to be afraid to speak out.

“All I ever wanted was to be able to make music without being afraid, scared, or abused,” she wrote. “This case has never been about a renegotiation of my record contract – it was never about getting a bigger, or a better deal. This is about being free from my abuser. I would be willing to work with Sony if they do the right thing and break all ties that bind me to my abuser.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think that my case is giving people who have been abused confidence that they can speak out, and that’s a problem. But I just want to say that if you have been abused, please don’t be afraid to speak out. There are places that will make you feel safe. There are people who will help you. I for one will stand beside you and behind you. I know now how this all feels and will forever fight for you the way perfect strangers have been fighting for me.”