Kesha’s ongoing lawsuit against her music producer of ten years, Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald), has truly shown the public on a larger platform just how difficult it is for survivors of sexual abuse to seek justice.
Her lawsuit against Dr. Luke was filed one year ago, in October 2014, and has yet to provide any positive results. The singer has accused Dr. Luke of sexually, physically, verbally and emotionally abusing her throughout her career, beginning when she signed a contract with him at the age of 18. Over the past year, Kesha has come forward with stories of Dr. Luke allegedly drugging and raping her multiple times, as well as forcing her to take drugs.
Shockingly, the case seems to be gaining very little support and outreach from the public. Kesha is completely stuck between a rock and a hard place as she must decide to either give up her music career or continue to work with her abuser. Sony, who owns Dr. Luke’s label Kemosabe Records Label, has failed to support Kesha in her case and refuses to let her work with any other producers. Regardless of whether Sony chooses to believe Kesha’s allegations or not, it appears it is supporting Dr. Luke strictly for matters concerning the label’s business interests. As of right now, Kesha is still legally bound to make three more albums with Dr. Luke.
In September, Kesha and her lawyers filed for a preliminary injunction. At the time, Jim Urie, previous president and CEO of Universal Music Group Distribution from 2003 to January 2015, commented that, “No mainstream distribution company will invest the money necessary to distribute songs for an artist who has fallen from the public eye, as is happening to Kesha at this very moment. Accordingly, if Kesha cannot immediately resume recording and having her music promoted, marketed, and distributed by a major label, her career is effectively over.”
No victim of sexual abuse should ever have to choose between her career and justice. Luke’s abuse of Kesha continues as he holds her career and personal well-being hostage. In an August 31 affidavit, Kesha said, “Dr. Luke has been tyrannical and abusive since our relationship began…I know I cannot work with Dr. Luke. I physically cannot. I don’t feel safe in any way. He has threatened me many times. ‘Three strikes and you’re out,’ he told me.”