Pop singer Kesha Rose Sebert lost a legal battle against producer Dr. Luke and Sony Music on Wednesday when a New York judge denied her appeal, a month after the singer accused the guitarist and record producer of raping her in 2014.
On March, the “Tik Tok” singer appealed New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich’s ruling that obligated the singer to maintain her six-album contract with Sony. Previously, Kesha had filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Dr. Luke and requested breaking ties with the label, according to Reuters.
Justice Kornreich said in February that Kesha can continue to work with Sony and other producers without the participation of Dr. Luke. By contrast, the plaintiff said the court’s decision was a form of slavery.
Kesha claimed last month that the producer had drugged, raped and emotionally abused her. On the other hand, Kornreich said Wednesday that the singer’s accusations did not qualify as “valid causes of action” to break a contract under New York law, said Reuters.
The singer said on Monday via her verified Instagram account that she had been offered “freedom” from her contract with Sony if she decided to lie.
“I would have to APOLOGIZE publicly and say that I never got raped. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS behind closed doors. I will not take back the TRUTH. I would rather let the truth ruin my career than lie for a monster ever again,” Kesha wrote on Instagram.
Supporters have created a #FreeKesha campaign on social media, collecting more than 400,000 signatures on petitions requesting Sony to nullify the contract. On the other hand, Kesha has gained support from Taylor Swift, Adele, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande.
“Every rape is not a gender-motivated hate crime”
Kesha had alleged that she was the victim of a hate crime. However, the judge stated that although Luke’s alleged actions were directed to Kesha, a female, her accusations did not say that Luke was motivated by gender when he apparently abused her.
The judge concluded saying that “every rape is not a gender-motivated hate crime”. Kesha has filed a similar lawsuit against the producer and Sony in Los Angeles but it was postponed, said TMZ on Tuesday.
Source: Reuters