Update: Shortly after news broke that Taylor Swift donated $250,000 to support Kesha, Demi Lovato Tweeted, “Take something to Capitol Hill or actually speak out about something and then I’ll be impressed.”
She subsequently continued the discussion on Instagram.
Commenting on a post from @proudofswift, in which the user alleged that Lovato is using the Kesha issue to gain attention for herself and a rivalry with Swift, the “Confident” singer wrote, “How the fuck 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 shit that’s uncomfortable to talk about rather than trying to be politically correct 24/7.
“There’s no “rivalry” I just give more fucks than other people and would rather start a dialogue ABOUT WOMEN COMING FORWARD ABOUT BEING RAPED than throw money at one person.”
She added, “I didn’t shade Taylor. If you take it that way than fine. I’m just tired of seeing women use ‘women empowerment’ and ‘feminism’ to further brands without actually being the ones that have the uncomfortable conversations. I get shade and I don’t give a fuck because someone has to be the one to take it. At least I’m getting my hands dirty.”
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Early Sunday morning, Demi Lovato issued a set of Twitter posts lambasting “self-proclaimed feminists” for not “speaking out or taking action for women’s rights.”
“Women empowerment is speaking up for other women even when it’s something uncomfortable to speak up about,” wrote Lovato. “Women empowerment is using your voice to help the voiceless women be heard.
“Women empowerment is taking action now, not when it’s convenient.”
While Lovato never mentioned her target by name, the common assumption was that she was targeting Taylor Swift, who had not publicly commented in the wake of Kesha’s unsuccessful injunction hearing.
Doubt that Lovato’s rant was (at least partially) aimed at Swift likely vanished Sunday evening.
Late Sunday, Kesha’s mother Pebe Sebert confirmed that Swift had donated $250,000 to support Kesha while her case is being litigated — and while she is contractually unable to record and release music away from Sony.
“Taylor Swift has just generously donated $250,000. to Kesha, as a show of support during this difficult time.AMAZING,” Tweeted an appreciative Sebert.
A spokesperson for Swift confirmed the story.
As the news began to circulate, Lovato posted another Twitter message. The message was again without an identified target, but the timing and content all but guarantee she was taking aim at Swift and her donation.
“Take something to Capitol Hill or actually speak out about something and then I’ll be impressed,” declared Lovato.