Kesha Rose Sebert, who previously performed under the name Ke$ha, and her former producer-songwriter Dr. Luke are still locked in a legal battle. Now, for the first time, Sony Music breaks its silence on the sexual abuse lawsuit that has been headlining for months. This past Friday (Sept. 18) Kesha asked for a preliminary injunction against her accused sexual abuser, Dr. Luke, real name Lukasz Gottwald, meaning that a judge will have to rule on the validity of her recording contracts sooner rather than later.
The battle exploded last October when Kesha made accusations against Dr. Luke of rampant sexual abuse and described an incident where he allegedly drugged her with what he called a "sober pill" and then raped her. The two have had a decade long working relationship that began when she was 18 and the singer, according to the Hollywood Reporter, said, "I know I cannot work with Dr. Luke. I physically cannot. I don't feel safe in any way."
As previously reported by Music Times Dr. Luke was not happy and shot back with a lawsuit that claimed she was simply trying to use the abuse allegations in order to extort him and release herself from her recording contracts under his label Kemosabe Records, which is under the larger umbrella of Sony Music Entertainment. The legal battle is holding up her ability to remain in the public eye and the singer has been falling from view in a big way, although she did make a few New York Fashion Week (NYFW) appearances.
SPIN released court papers and a statement from her attorney Mark Garagos read, "Until this Court rules on the declaratory judgement claim, Kesha is at an impasse. She cannot work with music producers, publishers, or record labels to release new music. With no new music to perform, Kesha cannot tour. Off the radio and stage and out of the spotlight, Kesha cannot sell merchandise, receive sponsorships, or get media attention. Her brand value has fallen, and unless the court issues this injunction, Kesha will suffer irreparable harm, plummeting her career past the point of no return."
Sony Music has not been supportive of their artist and explained to the judge that the company "has been caught in the crossfire," as detailed by the Hollywood Reporter. Sony further backed up Kemosabe label head Dr. Luke by moving for dismissal of the claims and asserting that it is but a "transparent and misguided attempt to renegotiate her contracts."
Also according the the Hollywood Reporter, Dr. Luke's camp released this statement in addition, "We are confident this motion will be denied because it is without merit. Kesha continues to make the same false claims of abuse against Dr. Luke she testified never happened under penalty of perjury. As with all pleadings in this case, her affidavit is vague and unsubstantiated, with pivotal details such as dates fudged, and notably fails to address herunequivocal prior sworn testimony to the contrary."
They further said, "If Kesha now regrets her career being mired in legal proceedings, it's entirely her making. It was Kesha who chose to file a lawsuit falsely alleging abuse to gain advantage in contract negotiations, and now she must accept the consequences of her improper actions. As long as she continues to stand by her false claims of abuse against Dr. Luke and remains in breach of her contracts, he will continue to protect his professional and personal reputation, as well as his contractual rights, in a court of law. He looks forward to obtaining judgments in his favor."
