The twists and turns of Kesha’s legal battles with Dr. Luke may finally be winding down, at least for the moment. On August 1st, when the singer reined back her California lawsuit against the producer, she assured her legions of fans that she would “continue to fighter for her rights in New York.” Yesterday, on August 15th, the singer shocked many by dialing down her NYC lawsuit as well, she will no longer rely on sexual abuse allegations against Dr. Luke as evidence in court and instead the case will only focus on professional disputes.
The confusing legal disputes between Dr. Luke and Kesha started in 2014 when the popular musician accused the mega-producer of being sexually abusive and controlling. Although still under contract with Sony and Dr. Luke, Kesha sought to record with another label because of Dr. Luke’s disturbing misconduct. A judge denied her original request to exit her contract. Since then, Kesha has been locked in a heartbreaking and messy web of failed appeals, as well as countersuits from Dr. Luke’s label, Kemosabe, who claim that she breached her contract. Last month, Kesha delivered 28 songs to the label although their release is at the complete discretion of Kemosabe and as such may never be heard.
Kesha and her legal team’s decision to withdraw the allegations of sexual assault are being painted by Dr. Luke’s attorney, Christine Lepera, as evidence that the serious claims against the powerful producer are untruthful. Lepera stated, “Kesha never should have brought her false and meritless claims against Dr. Luke in any court. Dr. Luke’s defamation and other claims against Kesha are still proceeding.” However, Kesha supporters, including high profile stars such as Lady Gaga and Adele, continue to believe her allegations against Dr. Luke. In fact the “Tik-Tok” singer’s legal team filed a motion to dismiss the abuse claims without prejudice, meaning that she could pursue them in the future.
The #FreeKesha movement is far from dead but at the moment it seems that the singer simply wants to move on, she is in fact on tour with her new rock n’ roll band, Kesha & the Creepies.