A joint statement released by pop star Kesha and producer Dr. Luke marks the end of a long legal battle between the two. Kesha had accused Dr. Luke of sexual, physical, verbal, and emotional abuse in a 2014 lawsuit, Kesha had sought to release her from her recording contract with him. The lawsuit referenced a 2005 incident when Dr. Luke allegedly drugged and raped Kesha after a party.
The legal proceedings continued for nearly a decade, as Kesha’s claims faced rejection or withdrawal in court. Dr. Luke countersued for defamation in New York, maintaining his innocence and stating that Kesha’s accusations were false. The recent announcement of a joint resolution of the lawsuit means that the case will no longer proceed to trial.
“Only God knows what happened that night,” Kesha said. “As I have always said, I cannot recount everything that happened. I am looking forward to closing the door on this chapter in my life and beginning a new one. I wish nothing but peace to all parties involved.”
Dr. Luke reiterated his denial of the allegations and said he is relieved that he can put this matter behind him.
The legal battle has had significant implications for both artists’ careers. Kesha became the focus of the
#FreeKesha
movement, and numerous musicians publicly supported her cause. Despite her legal setbacks, Kesha released albums independently, addressing her struggles obliquely but definitively through her music. However, these albums faced commercial challenges.
“I cannot work with this monster,” Kesha wrote in a 2015 affidavit, years before
#MeToo
became a rallying cry in the entertainment industry and beyond. “I physically cannot. I don’t feel safe in any way.”
Dr. Luke’s career also suffered a decline during this period, but he has since returned to the mainstream as a pop songwriter and producer. He has worked with various artists under pseudonyms and has seen success with acts like Doja Cat, Kim Petras, Nicki Minaj, and Latto.
The legal proceedings continued for nearly a decade, as Kesha’s claims faced rejection or withdrawal in court. Dr. Luke countersued for defamation in New York, maintaining his innocence and stating that Kesha’s accusations were false. The recent announcement of a joint resolution of the lawsuit means that the case will no longer proceed to trial.
“Only God knows what happened that night,” Kesha said. “As I have always said, I cannot recount everything that happened. I am looking forward to closing the door on this chapter in my life and beginning a new one. I wish nothing but peace to all parties involved.”
Dr. Luke reiterated his denial of the allegations and said he is relieved that he can put this matter behind him.
The legal battle has had significant implications for both artists’ careers. Kesha became the focus of the
#FreeKesha
movement, and numerous musicians publicly supported her cause. Despite her legal setbacks, Kesha released albums independently, addressing her struggles obliquely but definitively through her music. However, these albums faced commercial challenges.
“I cannot work with this monster,” Kesha wrote in a 2015 affidavit, years before
#MeToo
became a rallying cry in the entertainment industry and beyond. “I physically cannot. I don’t feel safe in any way.”
Dr. Luke’s career also suffered a decline during this period, but he has since returned to the mainstream as a pop songwriter and producer. He has worked with various artists under pseudonyms and has seen success with acts like Doja Cat, Kim Petras, Nicki Minaj, and Latto.
