Pop singer Kesha took her lawsuit against producer Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald Feb. 19 for alleged sexual assault and emotional abuse to the New York Supreme Court, which denied Kesha from beraking free from her contract.
Kesha, now 28 years old, signed with Kemosabe Records under Sony Music when she was 18 years old. It was then, she alleges, the abuse began.
Gottwald has denied all claims.
“In the 28-page suit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Kesha alleges a decade of sexual, physical and mental abuse by the producer that ultimately led to a struggle with an eating disorder and a stint in rehab that sidelined her career,” reported Gerrick Kennedy in a Los Angeles Times article.
Gottwald rose to fame by co-writing and producing hits for pop artists Katy Perry, Pink and Kelly Clarkson starting in the early 2000s. Clarkson denied allegations made by Kesha’s fans that Gottwald made her cry in recording sessions. However, no other artists have come to his defense.
Kesha has not released any new material since 2013 because her contract with Gottwald prevents her from recording with any other artist or producer.
Many female artists are in support of Kesha on social media including Halsey, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift, who recenly donated $250,000 to Kesha. Fans in support of Kesha have been tweeting “#FreedomForKesha.”
Former chief Executive of Universal Music Jim Urie, who filed an affidavit supporting her claims, told the LA Times the singer’s window of opportunity is nearly shut.
“She has not been recording, touring, or able to market merchandise for nearly a year, an eternity in the industry,” Urie said. “If Kesha cannot immediately resume recording, her career is effectively over.”
Caylie Gregorio, freshman music major, has experienced working with producers during her time on reality TV shows “X-Factor” and “American Idol.” She said she experienced how sly producers can be first-hand and said she can sympathize with Kesha.
“Artists should have more freedom within their own contracts and should be able to get out of their contracts, but only if needed, like how Kesha’s was,” Gregorio said. “I do not think it would be right for a musician to drop their contract just because they become bored, but if they were to experience something like Kesha did, it is only fair to let them go.”
“Her career should not have been put on hold because of the contract,” said Kenyce Lytle, freshman liberal studies major. “She was being abused, and for most women those situations are hard to get out of to begin with; then to not even let her continue her job is horrible.”
Not everyone is in support of Kesha’s claims against Gottwald. Past interviews and cards passed between the two have been resurfacing that go against Kesha’s testimony. In a 2010 Billboard profile Kesha praised Gottwald’s style.
“He really lets me be myself,” Kesha said in 2010. “All the crazy things I say, he embraces, because he really embraced my personality. A lot of producers have tried to tone it down. And I would not be as successful as I have
