Sony to reportedly drop Dr Luke amid Kesha's sexual assault allegations
The 42-year-old mega-producer may be finished at Sony Music
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.Sony is expected to drop producer Dr Luke amid public outcry over Kesha’s sexual assault allegations, according to The Wrap.
The company would be terminating 42-year-old Dr Luke, government name Lukasz Gottwald, one year before his contract expires.
“The fact that this hasn’t already been taken care of is confusing, especially for people in the building,” one unnamed source told the entertainment site.
A Manhattan Supreme Court judge ruled in February that 28-year-old Kesha Sebert must continue working with Gottwald to honour her six-album contract with Sony Music.
Kesha alleged that Gottwald sexually abused and drugged her a decade ago, however, Judge Shirley Werner Kornreich shot down an injunction to terminate or alter the contract.
“I don't understand why I have to take the extraordinary measure of granting an injunction,” Judge Kornreich said last month, citing a lack of medical evidence to support the assault claims.
Throughout the legal battle, Dr Luke and his legal team have vehemently denied the allegations.
One unnamed source familiar with upper management at Sony told The Wrap that Kesha has "no case in regards to her contract but they can’t afford the Adeles of the world out in the streets calling the label unsupportive.“
Shortly after the report surfaced, Lady Gaga tweeted, "Do the right thing, Sony #PeopleOverProfit."
Sony Music declined The Independent's request for comment.