American singer Kesha has come under fire after publicly voicing her support for NewJeans in the wake of the recent legal verdict surrounding the group’s contract dispute with their agency ADOR.
On October 30 KST, the Seoul Central District Court, led by Judge Jeong Hoe Il, ruled on the lawsuit filed by ADOR to reaffirm the validity of its exclusive contract with the five Newjeans members. The judgment effectively sided with the agency, following months of public and legal tensions.
The case stemmed from a move by Newjeans in November 2024, when the group sought to terminate their contract, citing a complete breakdown of trust between themselves and ADOR. Their decision sparked widespread debate, as many perceived it as an attempt to reclaim autonomy over their careers amid reportedly unfair conditions. In the process, the group declared independence, adopting a new name and severing ties with ADOR.
While public opinion remains divided, Kesha who famously battled her own record label and producer over control of her music career took to social media to express solidarity with the group. In a now widely discussed post, she wrote that her “heart is with Newjeans,” implying emotional support for the idols amid their legal turmoil.
This seemingly simple show of empathy quickly ignited backlash. Critics many of whom support the court’s ruling and harbor resentment toward Min Hee Jin, the former ADOR CEO accused Kesha of interfering in a legal matter she might not fully understand.
However, others rushed to defend the singer, pointing out that her past experience with an oppressive contract lends her a unique perspective.
Kesha’s history with lawsuits is well-documented. In 2014, she filed a lawsuit against producer Dr. Luke, alleging years of emotional and sexual abuse and seeking to nullify her contract with him. Despite her claims, the case was dismissed in 2016 due to statute of limitations constraints. The protracted legal struggle finally concluded with a settlement in 2023, though Dr. Luke maintained his innocence throughout.
During that time, Kesha received widespread industry support, including from stars like Adele and Taylor Swift, as her fight symbolized larger issues of power dynamics in the entertainment industry.
Now, years later, her support for Newjeans has sparked a similar conversation one that touches on artist rights, industry control, and how past trauma can shape one’s empathy in high-profile disputes.
As the Newjeans-ADOR controversy continues to dominate headlines, the debate surrounding Kesha’s statement adds another layer of complexity to an already polarizing case.
Sources: Koreaboo