Kesha chokes up accepting human rights award

An emotional Kesha fought back tears as she was honored at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Awards on Saturday (05Mar16).

The 29-year-old was presented with the HRC Visibility prize at the annual equality dinner in Nashville, Tennessee, and she used her acceptance speech to address her "intense" personal life.

The singer, who was given the award for her efforts to better the lives of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community, choked up as she acknowledged her ongoing legal fight to terminate her contract at Sony Music after accusing producer Dr. Luke of sexual abuse, reports ABC News.

"As many of you know, I am going through some personal things that have been really intense and hard lately and I just want to say thank you for the support I received," the Nashville native told the audience.

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

"We can't be afraid to fight for our dignity. These are our basic human rights."

Kesha has been locked in a legal battle with Sony bosses and Dr. Luke since she filed suit against the producer, real name Lukasz Gottwald, in October, 2014. In her court papers, she alleged he had "physically, mentally and sexually abused her" since she started working him at 18.

The Tik Tok hitmaker lost her case last month (Feb16) after a New York judge ruled she could not be released from her contract with Sony Music, meaning she still has to work at the same company as her alleged abuser.

Celebrities including Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, Adele and Taylor Swift have voiced their support for Kesha following her court loss, with the Shake it Off hitmaker even donating $250,000 to her fellow singer to help with legal costs.