In 2014, recording artist Kesha filed a lawsuit against her producer. Kesha accused “Dr.Luke,” whose real name is Lucasz Gottwald, of verbal, emotional, sexual, and physical abuse. Whether one sympathizes with or believes Kesha is not the issue. The bottom line is that she could be telling the truth, and if she is, the restrictions that her contract places on her leave her with only two options: ditch her alleged abuser or destroy her career.

Billboard reported that Kesha filed these claims in the hopes of getting out of her contract with her alleged abuser. With no solid proof to support her allegations, Gottwald is an innocent man in the eyes of the law. However, the details of intimidation and abuse that allegedly took place between 2005 and 2014 have lead to numerous celebrities offering support to the singer and speaking out about sexual assault.

Lady Gaga revealed in 2014 that she was raped at age 19 by someone in the music industry and has continuously spoken out about the issue. She mentioned to People Magazine that these occurrences “happen in the music industry all the time, to women and men.”

Furthermore, Kesha’s allegations have revealed exactly how binded she is to her contract with Gottwald. Her producer is the CEO of Kemosabe Records, an American record label owned by Sony Music. As a result of the case, Sony has allowed Kesha to record without her producer’s presence, but whatever she sells will profit him. In addition, Kesha is not permitted to work with any other producers without the approval of Gottwald.

In the event that Gottwald actually did abuse Kesha, it is absurd that she would be so powerless and have no way of continuing her career for years without his gain or permission. This and many other cases within the music industry have shed light on how controlled artists can be by the companies they sign with. Often restricted creatively as well, there is a sort of freedom that they lose when they sign with a label.

Because there are so many young artists who dream of hearing their own songs on the radio and being able to reach out to millions of people, those who are “discovered” often become vulnerable to whoever takes note of their talents and decides to take them under their wing. Once musicians have signed with a record label, a door opens to a world of music, but one hundred doors close in terms of creativity, true self expression, and new opportunities.

Whether or not Kesha’s allegations against Lucasz Gottwald are accurate is something that cannot be known for sure. What people can certainly take away from this case is the change that needs to take place so that singers do not need to feel artistically and legally restricted.