Demi Lovato Wants Women to Help Other Women Out [Updated]

Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato Photo: Larry Busacca/2016 Getty Images

When Kesha’s injunction to be released from her contract with Dr. Luke, who she alleges sexually and emotionally abused her, was denied, she was met with a wave of sympathy and support. Numerous pop stars and celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Kelly Clarkson, have tweeted their support for the singer. Demi Lovato also joined the chorus demanding to #FreeKesha, tweeting on Saturday afternoon, “This is only gonna make you stronger, you brave and beautiful girl. Prayers are with you.”

But the debate surrounding Kesha’s legal battle and the larger implications for women must have been weighing on her mind. Late last night, Lovato went back to Twitter and really got into her feelings about feminism, women’s empowerment, and the need for action. She started out pondering how women could feel safe reporting sexual assault if they’re “shot down, not believed & disrespected for their bravery in taking action.”

She then went on a rundown of what women’s empowerment really means, and her desire to see prominent women and self-proclaimed feminists “using your voice to help the voiceless women be heard.”

If some of her messages seem to have the whiff of the subtweet about them, you wouldn’t be the only one to think so. Some fans have read her screed as a pointed dig at famous pro-women pop stars who have remained silent on Kesha’s case thus far, namely Taylor Swift. Lovato herself has apparently made peace with the inevitable speculation about what (or whom) she might be referring to, capping her Twitter monologue with “Women empowerment is tweeting at 2:30 am knowing the consequences of these tweets and not giving a single fuck.”

Update: According to a statement from her representative, Taylor has donated $250,000 to Kesha in a “show of support.” While Kesha’s mom has confirmed the donation and thanked Swift, Lovato remains unimpressed. She tweeted, “Take something to Capitol Hill or actually speak out about something and then I’ll be impressed.” When called out by Swift fan @proudofswift on Instagram, Lovato reportedly elaborated further on her feelings (@proudofswift’s account is now private “to control drama”). Per Us Weekly, Lovato wrote, “How the f–k am I making this about myself? At least I’m talking about it. Not everyone has 250k to just give to people. Would love to but I didn’t grow up with money and def haven’t made as much as her. At least I speak up about s–t that’s uncomfortable to talk about rather than trying to be politically correct 24/7.”

Demi Lovato Wants Women to Help Other Women Out