On Friday pop star Kesha was denied an injunction in a New York City courtroom that would have allowed her to record outside of her disputed Sony contract. From the Hollywood Reporter:
Kesha, who alleges that Dr. Luke drugged and raped her a decade ago and has committed ongoing abuse, has been pushing for a preliminary injunction that would allow her to record outside of Dr. Luke’s purview. Her attorneys have told the judge that the careers of pop stars are short and that if an injunction doesn’t issue, the irreparable harm she faces is a ruined career. After being briefed on the arguments, New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich was skeptical.
“You’re asking the court to decimate a contract that was heavily negotiated and typical for the industry,” said the judge to Mark Geragos, the attorney for Kesha, who sat in the back row with her mother Pebe and looked solemn.
Kornreich heard arguments that Dr. Luke had invested a substantial amount — $60 million in her career — and that the producer had agreed to allow her to record without his involvement. The judge told Geragos that “decimates your argument,” adding, “My instinct is to do the commercially reasonable thing.”
Kesha is obligated under contract to record six more albums for Dr. Luke’s record label Kemosabe, an imprint of Sony. The label could just cut her loose now. The possibility that Kesha would ever step inside the studio with a man she considers an abuser is nil. So what’s the point of keeping her under contract? I suspect Sony is sending a message to any artist who might even be THINKING of challenging them or breaking a contract.
Kornreich also noted what she felt was a lack of medical evidence like hospital records to back up the assault allegations. “I don’t understand why I have to take the extraordinary measure of granting an injunction,” she said. Not only did Kesha claim Dr. Luke raped her, but that that he also emotionally abused her for years. It would be extraordinary if Kesha were fabricating stories just to get out of a contract–which is basically what Dr. Luke charged in his countersuit.
In the meantime, there are fellow artists who have spoken up for her. Two Idols tweeted support, Kelly Clarkson and Adam Lambert–both of whom collaborated with Dr. Luke on various projects. The producer had a big part in three of Kelly’s biggest hits, “Since You Been Gone,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” and “My Life Would Suck Without U.” Dr. Luke also produced and co-wrote Adam Lambert’s “For Your Entertainment,” and “Better Than I Know Myself,” and “Never Close Our Eyes” from Adam’s 2011 album, Trespassing.
Kelly calls out Dr. Luke directly. Although she denied what Clive Davis wrote in his book–that Dr. Luke had her in tears during the “Since U Been Gone” sessions and subsequently didn’t want the song to be released– you have to wonder if something went down during their collaborations.
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 (@kelly_clarkson) February 19, 2016
Adam, who has been friendly with Kesha, sent a simple tweet of encouragement.
Chin up @KeshaRose – thinkin of u. #FreeKesha
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) February 21, 2016
Singer, Jo Jo, who was held hostage by her record company for years tweeted this heartbreaking photo:
these pictures truly broke my heart today. pic.twitter.com/xnF9wKcAlF
— JoJo (@iamjojo) February 20, 2016
Whom I’d REALLY be interested in hearing from is singer/rapper, Becky G, who has been Dr. Luke’s protege in the past few years. She has said nothing since the news broke about Friday’s court proceedings.
