Katie Armiger Legal Defense Fund
Donation protected
First off, I want to thank you for taking the time to read this! If you are here, you likely know some part of what has happened in my life over the past two years. There’s a lot of information out there, and a lot of misconceptions. So, I wanted to give all of you some insight into my journey, where I’m at now legally, and how I could really use your help.
I started out in country music like most young singer-songwriters- hoping that I could write songs that would connect with people. I came to Nashville as a teenager and worked hard to build a career with integrity and hard work. While I met some great people in the industry, I soon learned the challenges and expectations that young women face trying to make it in the industry. I was harassed, propositioned, and even assaulted by powerful men in the industry. When I was vocal about these instances, my concerns were dismissed. It was disheartening.
Many of you are likely aware of the lawsuit that was filed by my former record label in the last couple of years. I cannot share more details about that journey at this time, but that process has completely changed my life and career.
As a result, in the last year, I decided to go to college and tried to pursue songwriting behind the scenes. I began adjusting to my “new normal”, until last month. In light of the Harvey Weinstein revelations, Fox News remembered my story and reached out to me to share my own “#MeToo” stories. I told them many of my experiences with various industry professionals. After the article came out, my former label chose to respond publicly. In their statement, they stated that they wished me the best and hoped I would move on with my career. They even offered to give me career advice. Privately, though, they filed another lawsuit against me in hopes of silencing my voice.
Thankfully, an attorney has agreed to help me. Last week, we filed counterclaims in response to the label’s new lawsuit. This time, our hope is that my case can finally go to court and we can close out this awful chapter. This is the first time in a long time that I feel truly optimistic.
But, I can’t do it without you. I would love to finally be able to get a verdict from a judge and be able to own all of the music and content that I created over the last decade. I would also like to be able to speak my truth without fear of retaliation and hopefully encourage others facing similar struggles. If you can help at all, I would appreciate it more than you can ever know. All funds I raise will go to my legal expenses. If I raise more than I need, I will donate all of what's left to the Sexual Assault Center in Nashville, which does great work.
I don’t have much to offer other than my gratitude, but it is endless. I will do my best to keep everyone as updated as possible throughout this entire process. Admittedly, I’m anxious to go back through legal proceedings, but I’m hopeful we can finally find justice. Thank you so much for supporting me through this journey.
Love,
Katie
For those who want to read it, here is a copy of my response to Cold River's lawsuit.
I started out in country music like most young singer-songwriters- hoping that I could write songs that would connect with people. I came to Nashville as a teenager and worked hard to build a career with integrity and hard work. While I met some great people in the industry, I soon learned the challenges and expectations that young women face trying to make it in the industry. I was harassed, propositioned, and even assaulted by powerful men in the industry. When I was vocal about these instances, my concerns were dismissed. It was disheartening.
Many of you are likely aware of the lawsuit that was filed by my former record label in the last couple of years. I cannot share more details about that journey at this time, but that process has completely changed my life and career.
As a result, in the last year, I decided to go to college and tried to pursue songwriting behind the scenes. I began adjusting to my “new normal”, until last month. In light of the Harvey Weinstein revelations, Fox News remembered my story and reached out to me to share my own “#MeToo” stories. I told them many of my experiences with various industry professionals. After the article came out, my former label chose to respond publicly. In their statement, they stated that they wished me the best and hoped I would move on with my career. They even offered to give me career advice. Privately, though, they filed another lawsuit against me in hopes of silencing my voice.
Thankfully, an attorney has agreed to help me. Last week, we filed counterclaims in response to the label’s new lawsuit. This time, our hope is that my case can finally go to court and we can close out this awful chapter. This is the first time in a long time that I feel truly optimistic.
But, I can’t do it without you. I would love to finally be able to get a verdict from a judge and be able to own all of the music and content that I created over the last decade. I would also like to be able to speak my truth without fear of retaliation and hopefully encourage others facing similar struggles. If you can help at all, I would appreciate it more than you can ever know. All funds I raise will go to my legal expenses. If I raise more than I need, I will donate all of what's left to the Sexual Assault Center in Nashville, which does great work.
I don’t have much to offer other than my gratitude, but it is endless. I will do my best to keep everyone as updated as possible throughout this entire process. Admittedly, I’m anxious to go back through legal proceedings, but I’m hopeful we can finally find justice. Thank you so much for supporting me through this journey.
Love,
Katie
For those who want to read it, here is a copy of my response to Cold River's lawsuit.
Organizer
Kate Michelle
Organizer
Nashville, TN