Kesha drops California case against Dr. Luke

Singer Kesha has, for the time being, dropped the California court case against producer Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald). But she will continue to pursue him through the legal system in New York.

Her attorney Daniel M. Petrocelli confirmed,“Kesha has dismissed her California action without prejudice while she pursues her appeal and other legal claims in the New York courts.”

“Without prejudice” means that Kesha can revive that case down the track if she wants.

For the time being, Petrocelli emphasised, “Kesha is focused on getting back to work and has delivered 28 new songs to the record label. We have conveyed to Sony Music and the label Kesha’s strong desire to release her next album and single as soon as possible.”

Dr Luke’s attorney Christine Lepera responded, “Earlier this year, she lost her meritless counterclaims against Dr. Luke in the New York Action. Recently, the California Court invited Dr. Luke and the other defendants to move to dismiss Kesha’s claims in that action.

“Kesha never should have brought her false and meritless claims against Dr. Luke in any court. Dr. Luke’s defamation and other claims against Kesha are still proceeding.”

Kesha’s career has been in limbo since October 2014 when she filed suit that Luke had sexually and emotionally abused her, forced her to take illegal drugs, and was manipulative. Luke, also head of Kemosabe Records, denied her allegations and counter-sued. He has never been charged.

His lawyers have also said that in an unrelated lawsuit in 2011, Kesha stated under oath that the producer “never made sexual advances” toward her or gave her the date-rape drug “roofie”. She defended herself that she had been too scared of him to speak up against him.

Kesha is appealing two rulings in New York. One was that her allegations could not be heard in New York because the alleged incidents took place outside New York. Also, the court ruled, it fell outside the statute of limitation. These two findings prevented the singer from breaking her contract with Dr. Luke and work with others.

She tweeted this week: “My fight continues. I need to get my music out. I am continuing to fight for my rights in New York. Thank you for all your support.”