Kesha defamation appeal in Dr Luke case denied as producer is ‘not a household name’
Three out of five judges rejected singer’s claim that producer is libel-proof
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kesha has been denied an appeal in her defamation case with Dr Luke, after it was ruled that the producer behind hits for some of the world’s biggest pop stars is not a public figure.
The musician, born Kesha Rose Sebert, suffered the latest setback in her ongoing legal battle with Dr Luke, real name Lukas Gottswald, after a New York judge ruled that she defamed him when she sent a text to Lady Gaga claiming he drugged and raped Katy Perry.
In February last year, a summary judgement ruled that Dr Luke is not a “household name” outside of the music world and rejected a claim by Kesha’s legal team that he was libel-proof.
Perry denied in court that Dr Luke raped her.
This week, a New York Court of Appeals ruled to uphold the February 2020 ruling, with three of five judges on the panel writing, as reported by Pitchfork: “Although Gottwald has sought publicity for his label, his music and his artists — none of which are subject of the defamation here - he never injected himself into the public debate about sexual assault or abuse of artists in the entertainment industry.”
A final trial is expected to begin in autumn this year.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, you can seek confidential advice and support from Rape Crisis by calling the national helpline on 0808 802 999 or contacting The Survivor’s Trust on 0808 801 0331.