Kesha Drops California Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Music Producer

To say that pop singer Kesha has had a tough few years would be a massive understatement. Following a stint in rehab for an eating disorder, the 28-year-old filed a distressing sexual abuse case against her music producer, Dr. Luke, resulting in her career being brought to a complete standstill.

Earlier this year, a?court ruling forced Kesha to continue working with Dr. Luke, the??powerful music producer she alleges abused her.?The legal battle started in 2014, when she?filed a lawsuit against the 42-year-old producer, born Lukasz Gottwald and Sony, claiming he sexually, physically, verbally, and emotionally assaulted her for a decade. Fellow artists rallied around the singer after a judge ruled she was bound to record at least six more albums with him, regardless of her claims and obvious distress.

It’s been a turbulent battle, which today has taken a surprising turn. Reports have emerged that she has now’dismissed a California lawsuit against Dr. Luke.?Apparently, a similar case will remain in play in New York, however, the’dismissal of a Los Angeles case comes amid an effort by the singer to get new music released despite her high-profile legal dispute with her former mentor. The producer has denied all claims of alleged abuse, however, this latest development?is distressing on a number of levels.

Many felt that parent?company Sony’s refusal to release her from her contractual obligations with Dr Luke pointed to their desire to prioritise Kesha’s career over these serious allegations, essentially asking her to choose between pursuing her alleged abuser and progressing her musical career.? The label has repeatedly expressed that they were unhappy with the charges filed against Luke.

Kesha’s attorney, Daniel Petrocelli, said the dismissal was filed so she can focus her legal efforts in New York and added that she has?also delivered 28 new songs to Dr Luke’s label, Kemosabe Records, which she is still signed to and Sony Music Entertainment, in?hopes that new singles and albums will be released soon.

?We have conveyed to Sony and the label Kesha’s strong desire to release her next album and single as soon as possible,? Petrocelli wrote in a statement.

It’s an impossible situation to be in, that a young woman who simply wants to express herself creatively and earn a living is essentially forced to?choose between the two – she’s been stuck in artistic?limbo for over two years. Despite Dr. Luke’s lawyer’s claim that “Kesha never should have brought her false and meritless claims against Dr Luke in any court”, questions remain over why the charges were dropped and it may even be too late – her career has been stalled for two years already.

The dialogue from Kesha’s camp has been resolute and powerful; she?is appealing two rulings in New York that prevented her from breaking her contract, while Luke continues to claim that Kesha is lying to obtain a more lucrative recording deal, the star has never wavered from her claims.

Via Rolling Stone