• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

'I literally was crying last night because I’m nervous about what I’m going to find out': a record 51% of Americans aren't 'cost secure' on health

2

A new trade war may be brewing. This time, Europe is taking a page from Trump's playbook — 'We no longer live in a world of pink ponies and rainbows'

3

Former VP Kamala Harris says she went through a nine-hour interview to land the job—but she couldn’t escape ‘gold medal depression’ even when she won

1

'I literally was crying last night because I’m nervous about what I’m going to find out': a record 51% of Americans aren't 'cost secure' on health

2

A new trade war may be brewing. This time, Europe is taking a page from Trump's playbook — 'We no longer live in a world of pink ponies and rainbows'

3

Former VP Kamala Harris says she went through a nine-hour interview to land the job—but she couldn’t escape ‘gold medal depression’ even when she won
Arts & EntertainmentMusic

Inside the Ugly Battle Between Kesha, Sony and Dr. Luke

By
Tom Huddleston Jr.
Tom Huddleston Jr.
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Tom Huddleston Jr.
Tom Huddleston Jr.
Down Arrow Button Icon
February 22, 2016, 5:11 PM ET
Kesha Makes An Appearance At New York State Supreme Court
Photograph by Raymond Hall—GC Images
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

A long-running music industry legal battle has been picking up steam in recent months and, on Monday, it culminated in a tweetstorm by veteran music producer Dr. Luke.

We’re talking about pop singer Kesha’s bitter legal fight with her former producer and mentor, Dr. Luke, and his Kemosabe Records label, which is part of Sony’s (SNE) U.S. music unit. Kesha Sebert (formerly known as Ke$ha) is currently suing Lukasz Gottwald (Dr. Luke’s real name) and the record label in an attempt to escape her recording contract. The singer of hits such as “TiK ToK” and “Die Young has accused Dr. Luke of sexual and emotional abuse, including drugging and raping her. Dr. Luke has consistently denied all the charges and hasn’t been charged criminally. Sony declined to comment.

On Monday afternoon, Gottwald went on a tweeting spree in which he decried the “speculation” he’s seen online from Kesha’s supporters. Here is a sampling from the producer’s Twitter rant:

Until now I haven’t commented on the lawsuits, which should be resolved in court not here on Twitter.

— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016

It’s a shame that there’s so much speculation out there basing itself on so little information.

— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016

I understand why people without all the information are speaking out. I can appreciate their compassion.

— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016

But lives can get ruined when there’s a rush to judgment before all the facts come out. Look what happened at UVA, Duke etc.

— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016

of course any sane person is against rape and sexual assault but everybody who is commenting is doing so without knowledge or facts.

— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016

Over the weekend, joining the #FreeKesha social media campaign, Taylor Swift, along with several female pop stars, including Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande, have tweeted their support for Kesha. Swift also donated $250,000 to the singer’s legal efforts, days after a New York Supreme Court judge ruled that the singer couldn’t record a new album outside of her current contract while this case is playing out.

Here’s some background on the years-long legal battle between Kesha and Gottwald.

How the battle began

Kesha signed a six-album contract with Gottwald’s Kemosabe Records, which is housed within Sony Music Entertainment, in 2005 when she was 18-years-old. Under that contract, the singer released the 2010 album Animal—which topped the charts with more than 150,000 copies sold in its first week and a then-record 610,000 digital downloads for the song “TiK ToK.” Her most recent album, 2012’s Warrior, did not fare as well, failing to crack the Billboard Top 5 upon its release.

In 2013, Kesha’s fans started an online petition to free the singer from her recording contract, claiming that Gottwald had too much control over her career and was stunting her creatively. That same year, Kesha collaborated with Pitbull on the hit song “Timber,” which Gottwald produced.

Kesha filed her lawsuit against Gottwald and Kemosabe Records in 2014, with the singer claiming that her former producer “sexually, physically, verbally and emotionally abused” her over the course of several years. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the singer’s claims include allegations that Gottwald drugged and raped her at some point in the early stages of her recording contract, and Kesha’s lawyers have argued that her career will be irreparably damaged unless the court releases her from the contract so that she can record new music without Gottwald’s involvement.

Sony Music Entertainment has maintained that Kesha is allowed under her contract to record music with the company without Gottwald’s involvement, though Kesha lawyer Mark Geragos has referred to that claim as an “illusory promise.” The singer argued that the recording company might not fully promote any new music she records due to the nasty legal fight, though Gottwald’s lawyer, Christine Lepera, has countered that Sony Music has already spent roughly $11 million promoting the singer’s music.

“Kesha is already ‘free’ to record and release music without working with Dr. Luke as a producer if she doesn’t want to. Any claim that she isn’t ‘free’ is a myth,” Lepera said in a statement. (Lepera also noted the fact that, as part of a separate lawsuit, Kesha actually swore under oath in 2011 that she was never assaulted by Gottwald, though Kesha’s lawyer has claimed that her previous statements were made under duress, following alleged threats from Gottwald.)

Earlier this month, New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich threw out a Gottwald claim alleging that Kesha’s mother, Pebe Sebert, and manager, Jack Rovner, had strong-armed the singer into demanding release from her contract and publicly smearing Gottwald with her abuse claims.

The judge’s ruling, explained

On Friday, Kornreich declined a motion from Kesha’s lawyers to release the singer from her current contract while the larger case is being decided. “You’re asking the court to decimate a contract that was heavily negotiated and typical for the industry,” the judge said of her decision in court last week. Kornreich added that the lack of physical evidence to support Kesha’s assault claims gave her pause, preventing her from taking “the extraordinary measure of granting an injunction.”

However, Kornreich did not rule on Gottwald’s motion to dismiss Kesha’s lawsuit, or on a motion by Kesha’s lawyers to dismiss Gottwald’s own claims against the singer, which include defamation and breach of contract. THR notes that the judge will push back that decision in order to give Kesha’s lawyers more time to adjust their counterclaims.

Stars back Kesha

Swift said through a spokeswoman on Sunday that her large donation is meant to help Kesha “with any of her financial needs during this trying time.” Following Swift’s announcement, Kesha’s mother took to Twitter (TWTR) to thank the pop star for the donation and the support:

A persons wealth is not measured by what they have but by WHO they they help with it. And Taylor Swift is is a truly RICH PERSON.
Thank you🌹

— Pebe (@grannywrapper) February 22, 2016

Meanwhile, a handful of other music industry celebrities have also spoken out about the case, with some offering their support to Kesha.

There are people all over the world who love you @KeshaRose. And I can say truly I am in awe of your bravery.

— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) February 19, 2016

Trying 2 not say anything since I can't say anything nice about a person… so this is me not talking about Dr. Luke https://t.co/lLhtUHbmgG

— Kelly Clarkson 🍷💔☀️ (@kellyclarkson) February 19, 2016

https://twitter.com/jackantonoff/status/701818864930156544

What’s ahead

Both sides now await Kornreich’s ruling on their respective motions to dismiss claims in the ongoing legal battle. Meanwhile, a fan-created petition on Change.org titled “Urge Sony Music to Release Kesha from her Contract with Kemosabe Records” was just a few hundred signatures short of its goal of 25,000 as of Monday afternoon.

This story was updated to include Dr. Luke’s tweets.

About the Author
By Tom Huddleston Jr.
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Arts & Entertainment

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Arts & Entertainment

t
Arts & Entertainmentrhode island
Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island summer town is on high alert for a sudden wedding as rumors fly
By Leah Willingham and The Associated PressJune 21, 2026
5 hours ago
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with teammates
North AmericaWorld Cup
World Cup teams will be paid a record $871 million: Each team will get $12.5 million as a bare minimum for playing and ‘preparation money’
By Emma BurleighJune 21, 2026
9 hours ago
b
Arts & EntertainmentBarack Obama
The first 100 visitors to the Obama Presidential center got a surprise: Barack and Michelle
By Claire Savage and The Associated PressJune 20, 2026
1 day ago
us
North AmericaWorld Cup
U.S. Mens National Team wins consecutive World Cup games for first time since 1930, one goal away from record
By Andrew Destin and The Associated PressJune 20, 2026
1 day ago
c
EuropeObituary
Claude Guillemot, who built Ubisoft into a gaming empire, dies at 69 in plane crash
By Angela Charlton and The Associated PressJune 20, 2026
1 day ago
j
Arts & EntertainmentObituary
James Burrows, director who defined the American sitcom from ‘Cheers’ to ‘Friends,’ dies at 85
By Beth Harris and The Associated PressJune 20, 2026
1 day ago

Most Popular

'I literally was crying last night because I’m nervous about what I’m going to find out': a record 51% of Americans aren't 'cost secure' on health
Health
'I literally was crying last night because I’m nervous about what I’m going to find out': a record 51% of Americans aren't 'cost secure' on health
By Ali Swenson, Amelia Thomson-Deveaux and The Associated PressJune 20, 2026
1 day ago
A new trade war may be brewing. This time, Europe is taking a page from Trump's playbook — 'We no longer live in a world of pink ponies and rainbows'
Economy
A new trade war may be brewing. This time, Europe is taking a page from Trump's playbook — 'We no longer live in a world of pink ponies and rainbows'
By Jason MaJune 20, 2026
21 hours ago
Former VP Kamala Harris says she went through a nine-hour interview to land the job—but she couldn’t escape ‘gold medal depression’ even when she won
Success
Former VP Kamala Harris says she went through a nine-hour interview to land the job—but she couldn’t escape ‘gold medal depression’ even when she won
By Emma BurleighJune 21, 2026
9 hours ago
Jeff Bezos pledged $10 billion for climate change. With the 2030 clock ticking, his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, is leading the charge to spend it
Environment
Jeff Bezos pledged $10 billion for climate change. With the 2030 clock ticking, his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, is leading the charge to spend it
By Sydney LakeJune 19, 2026
2 days ago
Former U.S. Secret Service agent says bringing your authentic self to work stifles teamwork: 'You don’t get high performers, you get sloppiness'
Success
Former U.S. Secret Service agent says bringing your authentic self to work stifles teamwork: 'You don’t get high performers, you get sloppiness'
By Sydney LakeJune 21, 2026
8 hours ago
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says electricians and plumbers will be needed by the hundreds of thousands in the new working world
Success
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says electricians and plumbers will be needed by the hundreds of thousands in the new working world
By Preston ForeJune 20, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.