In the last few weeks, #FreeKesha has become an increasingly popular hashtag and public dilemma in the United States and the rest of the world. Kesha, an American pop artist, accused her producer Dr. Luke of sexually, physically, verbally and emotionally abusing her throughout the last decade of their working together.
Kesha, previously known by her stage name Ke$ha, is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress. She has gained much of her fame from her popular songs “TiK ToK” and “We R Who We R.” She also gained stardom by appearing in Flo-Rida’s single “Right Round.”
Dr. Luke, born Lukasz Sebastian Gottwald, is an American guitarist and record producer. He has worked with many artists including Rihanna, Flo Rida, Miley Cyrus and Pitbull along with Kesha. His work through the years has merited numerous music industry awards, one of which was a nomination for a Grammy Award for Producer of the Year.
Last week, a New York judge denied Kesha a court injunction that would have potentially allowed her to record new music outside of her recent recording studio, Sony Music, and her producer Dr. Luke. Kesha filed her lawsuit against Dr. Luke in California in October 2014. The suit was to void Kesha’s contracts with Dr. Luke. It would allow Kesha the ability to work with other labels and publishing units and receive damages for abuse and sexual violence directed at her from Dr. Luke.
The suit against Dr. Luke alleges sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender violence, civil harassment, violation of unfair business laws, infliction of emotional distress (both intentional and negligent) and negligent retention and supervision. However, Luke has countersued Kesha claiming “false and shocking accusations” and that Kesha’s refusal to record was equivalent to extortion. Along with this, the court justice for this case denied any injunction that would have let Kesha record new music for labels while the details of the lawsuits are being worked out.
Despite Kesha’s fans, family and hopes, the Superior Court judge Barbara Scheper froze Kesha’s lawsuit against Dr. Luke. The judge stated that to continue, her contracts would require many more legal disputes. She has also said that there was not enough evidence to support Kesha’s assertion and that the agreements were not entered into freely or voluntarily as a result of the negotiations.
Despite Friday’s conclusions, Kesha has received massive amounts of support through the entire ordeal. Many popular artists including Lady Gaga, Lorde, Grimes, Lily Allen and Kelly Clarkson have given their support. Taylor Swift even donated $250,000 to help Kesha with any of her financial needs during this trying time. In 2013, when Kesha’s accusations of Dr. Luke began, a group of Kesha’s fans also began a petition to sever the relationship between Kesha and Dr. Luke, which has continued to today to help back the artist.
Before Kesha and the rest of the world will know anything more, Judge Kornreich said in her ruling on Friday Feb. 26, 2015 that she was waiting to hear of any more evidence before dismissing the case, leaving Kesha’s suit in limbo.
