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Kesha Drops Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against Dr. Luke, Sends New Songs To His Label
Kesha performs at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Pop star Kesha has dropped a lawsuit filed in California against producer Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, who she claimed sexually, physically, verbally and emotionally abused her. Her appeal against Gottwald's countersuit of defamation and breach of contract, filed in a New York court, however, is still ongoing."Kesha has dismissed her California action without prejudice while she pursues her appeal and other legal claims in the New York courts," Kesha's attorney, Daniel Petrocelli, said in a statement. "Kesha is focused on getting back to work and has delivered 28 new songs to the record label. We have conveyed to Sony and the label Kesha's strong desire to release her next album and single as soon as possible."
A source told Rolling Stone that Kesha had been recording the songs for the "past several months" and "at her own expense," and hopes that Kemosabe, Gottwald's label, will release it as an album soon. Kesha's last album, Warrior, was released four years ago.
"If Kesha is voluntarily dismissing her claims in the California case, it is because she has no chance of winning them," Christine Lepera, an attorney for Dr. Luke, told Rolling Stone.
In February, a judge denied Kesha's request that she be released from her contract with Sony and Kemosabe. According to Buzzfeed News, Kesha is locked into a five-album contract with Gottwald and so far has only released two.
Earlier this year, Kesha was allowed to release her collaboration with Zedd, a song titled "True Colors." She has been touring this summer and will headline the Mad Decent Block Party in L.A. on October 1.
Kesha tweeted out a message on Monday evening, thanking supporters and affirming her decision to keep fighting:
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.
— kesha (@KeshaRose) August 2, 2016
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