Singer Kesha has dropped a California sexual assault lawsuit against producer Dr. Luke.
Although Kesha dismissed the California lawsuit, two rulings in New York remain for appeal. In New York, she is suing Dr. Luke, whose given name is Lukasz Gottwald, for sexual assault, battery, harassment, and emotional distress. Kesha first sued Dr. Luke in 2014.
The April rulings prevented her from breaking her contract with Dr. Luke’s label and dismissed Kesha’s claims of sexual and emotional abuse. The rulings did not allow Kesha’s rape and abuse allegations to proceed because the incidents occurred outside New York and fell outside the statute of limitations. Dr. Luke has denied Kesha’s claims; his lawsuit towards her for defamation is still pending.
“If Kesha is voluntarily dismissing her claims in the California case, it is because she has no chance of winning them. Kesha never should have brought her false and meritless claims against Dr. Luke in any court,” Christine Lepera, Dr. Luke’s attorney, wrote in a statement.
Daniel Petrocelli, Kesha’s attorney, stated that the California lawsuit was dismissed so she could focus on the New York case. Petrocelli also revealed that Kesha has submitted 28 new songs to Kemosabe Records, Dr. Luke’s label, and Sony Music Entertainment, which she is still signed to.
In a statement, Petrocelli said, “We have conveyed to Sony and the label Kesha’s strong desire to release her next album and single as soon as possible.”
“My fight continues,” Kesha wrote on Facebook. “I need to get my music out. I have so much to say. This lawsuit is so heavy on my once free spirit, and I can only pray to one day feel that happiness again. I am continuing to fight for my rights in New York. Thank you for all your support. The support of my fans has been so beautiful and I’m so grateful for it. I’m not sure where I would be without you all.”
