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Kesha Gets Emotional While Receiving LGBT Award: ‘Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up’

Kesha
Kesha speaks at the 21st Annual HRC Nashville Equality Dinner on March 5 in Nashville.Wade Payne/Invision/AP

Kesha got emotional while receiving the Visibility Award for her work in the LGBT community at the Human Rights Campaign’s 2016 Nashville Equality Dinner on Saturday, March 5.

The pop singer, 29, who was recently denied an injunction to be released from her Sony contract with music producer Dr. Luke, took the stage to thank those who supported her during her ongoing legal battle.

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“For any of you who know, I’m going through some personal things that have been really intense and hard lately, and I just want to say thank you for any support I’ve received,” she said.

“My message today is don't be afraid to speak up against any injustice you experience,” she continued. “Don't let people scare or shame you into changing the things about you that make you unique.”

Kesha filed a lawsuit against Dr. Luke, 42, in October 2014, claiming that he was sexually, physically and emotionally abusive toward her since she signed a record deal with him at age 18. She also claimed that he forced drugs and alcohol on her in an attempt to make sexual advances.

“You are all beautiful, just as you are,” she told the audience at the dinner, before explaining that the lawsuit allowed her to “actually do something positive in the world.”

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“That’s why my message has always been about yourself, and we really have to love each other and support each other,” Kesha said, with tears in her eyes. “Believe me, when I sing these words, I’m talking to myself as much as I’m talking to everyone else.”

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The “Animal” singer also received support from her many fans, who organized several #FreeKesha protests outside of Sony’s headquarters and a New York courthouse, as well as celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Adele. Swift even donated $250,000 to Kesha to help her “during this trying time,” the “Bad Blood” singer’s rep told Us Weekly in a statement on February 22.

“It’s been difficult, but everybody is rooting for her,” an insider previously told Us. “She is going to keep fighting.”

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