Producer slams Kesha’s latest allegation as a “publicity stunt”.
Dr Luke has denied Kesha was recently offered a way out of her recording contract with his Kemosabe Records in exchange for a public apology. The singer claimed on Instagram last night (April 3) that she was presented with an opportunity to sever ties with the producer who she alleges sexually assaulted her, if “I say that I never got raped.” Dr Luke, however, has labelled the Instagram post “a publicity stunt”.
In February, a court ruled that Kesha, 29, must remain in her contract with Dr Luke, who executive produced the singer’s two albums to date, allegedly sexually and emotionally abusing her throughout this period. After recently vowing to appeal and write new music, Kesha gave an update to fans claiming “I got offered my freedom IF i were to lie. I would have to APOLOGIZE publicly and say that I never got raped.
“THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS behind closed doors,” she added. “I will not take back the TRUTH. I would rather let the truth ruin my career than lie for a monster ever again.”
Lawyers for Dr Luke, real name Lukasz Gottwald, quickly issued a statement to Rolling Stone however, denying this was the case and promising to hold “Kesha accountable for her lies”.
“The Court repeatedly stated Kesha is already free to record without Dr. Luke, and that she had not presented any facts supporting her claims,” read the statement. “That’s because all the evidence – including Kesha’s own videotaped sworn testimony – show her allegations are false. The only thing Kesha is not free to do is to continue to lie about Dr. Luke through publicity stunts and outrageous smears, ignoring the fact that by her own free will she went to work and entered into new contracts with Dr. Luke years after this “incident” supposedly happened.
“Her goal all along has been solely personal enrichment by seeking to break contracts that brought her success and millions so she can enter into more lucrative ones. We look forward to our day in court holding Kesha accountable for her lies.”
Since February’s court ruling, the music world has largely rallied behind Kesha, with Grimes and Kelly Clarkson among the many artists to voice their support. Kesha and Luke return to court on May 16.
