Recent Posts
Entertainment December 10, 2016
Real tears at @KeshaRose‘s speech about overcoming her eating disorder at #womeninmusic pic.twitter.com/LLMgNWiO8n
— Maeve McDermott (@maeve_mcdermott) December 9, 2016
Kesha held back tears as she accepted the Trailblazer Award at the Billboard Women in Music Ceremony on Friday.
The star said that she felt shocked by the honor, calling it “mind-blowing” after her “very public year,” which saw her battling an eating disorder as well as a sexual assault case against producer Dr. Luke.
The “TiK ToK” hitmaker was emotional as she took the opportunity to speak on her struggle with an eating disorder. “I’ve realized through a long roller coaster ride of ups and downs that if I’m lucky enough to have a voice that someone will listen to, then I should use it for good.”
READ MORE: How to Love Yourself Recklessly: Lessons From Belly Dancer Portia Lange
Kesha shared her disappointment at the way in which she was praised for losing weight amid her struggle with an eating disorder. “When I was very sick and getting sicker, I’d hear about how better and better I was looking,” she revealed.
“And that is a problem. And I want to be part of that solution. That’s why I’ve decided to stand confident in my ever-changing, totally imperfect body and try to live up to and practice the self-worth and self-love that I preach in my music,” Kesha said.
“I have to keep fighting for my dreams,” she resolved, ending the acceptance speech with an inspirational message for fans. “And if I can’t give up, neither can anyone else out there with big dreams.”
READ MORE: Sailor Brinkley Cook Reminds Young Girls to ‘Embrace’ Their Body Types
“Life is hard sometimes, and things don’t always work out the way you planned it … But if you keep showing up for yourself, you can move mountains,” Kesha advised, adding, “Do not let anyone else take your happiness.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, The National Eating Disorders Association can help.
Their confidential helpline can be reached at 1-800-931-2237 to offer support and guidance as well as information about treatment. A link to chat can also be found on their website.
