Pop artist Kesha first sued music producer Dr Luke in 2014 under grounds of sexual and emotional abuse. Dr Luke accused her of trying to get a better recording deal and sued her for defamation.
In the latest developments for the case, the singer filed to dismiss her sexual assault lawsuit against Dr Luke in California on Monday.
Kesha’s attorney, Daniel Petrocelli, said the dismissal was filed so that the singer can focus on her legal efforts in New York. There she is suing the producer for sexual assault, battery, harassment and emotional distress.
Kesha says she wants to focus on restarting her music career and has delivered 28 new songs to Dr Luke’s label, Kemosabe Records, which she is still signed on to. The new songs were recorded at Kesha’s own expense in order to fulfil her contractual obligations. Sony hopes to release the new singles and albums soon.
In a statement, Petrocelli wrote: 'We have conveyed to Sony and the label Kesha’s strong desire to release her next album and single as soon as possible.'
Christine Lepera, an attorney for Dr. Luke, responded in a statement: 'If Kesha is voluntarily dismissing her claims in the California case, it is because she has no chance of winning them. 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 is appealing two rulings in New York that prevented her from breaking her contract with Dr Luke’s label and that dismissed her claims of sexual assault and emotional distress..
Via The Guardian