Kesha dropped on Monday her California sexual assault lawsuit against Dr. Luke to restart her music career. The artist affirmed that she would continue legal actions in New York. According to a statement from Kesha’s lawyer, the legal battle between Kesha and Dr. Luke has come to an end in California.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Kesha’s attorney Daniel Petrocelli, wrote that the singer dropped her California lawsuit, in which Dr. Luke was accused of rape and sexual abuse. Kesha’s lawsuit was on hold since June last year due to Dr. Luke’s lawsuit in New York accusing Kesha of defamation. Kesha’s California suit was pending for the decision of Dr. Luke’s legal response.
Kesha vs. Dr. Luke: the legal battle
The decision comes after a New York judge dismissed her case alleging employment discrimination, emotional distress, and gender-based hate crimes. In February, a judge denied Kesha’s petition to legally record for other labels different than Dr. Luke’s Sony imprint Kemosabe Records.
Dr. Luke’s lawyer, Christine Lepera, said the producer would continue his countersuit against Kesha. Lepera wrote in a statement that if the singer dropped her claim in the California case is due to lack of possibilities of winning. Lepera also remarked that Kesha lost her meritless counterclaims against Dr. Luke in the New York action.
“Kesha has dismissed her California action without prejudice while she pursues her appeal and other legal claims in the New York courts. Kesha is focused on getting back to work and has delivered 28 new songs to the record label. We have conveyed to Sony and the label Kesha’s strong desire to release her next album and single as soon as possible,” said the statement.
Social media reacts using #FreeKesha
Kesha went to social media to express her decision. She tweeted on Monday night that she won’t stop her fight and that it is imperative for her to get her music out. Kesha affirmed on her Twitter account that she would continue fighting for her rights in New York.
Throughout the hashtag #FreeKesha, artists such as Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift have sent their support messages for Kesha during the legal process against her producer and Sony Music.
Kesha likewise showed gratitude for all messages supporting her during the litigation that has unveiled that the artist was sexually assaulted and emotionally abused by Lukasz Gottwald (Dr. Luke’s real name).
Kesha’s last album “Warrior” was launched in 2012. She would release new singles and albums soon. The new songs would likely be counted toward her new album deal.
Source: Pitchfork