Kesha's Request to Be Freed from Dr. Luke and Sony Music Contract Denied by New York Judge

Despite her claims about years of sexual, emotional and physical abuse, Kesha will not be freed from her contract with Sony Music and her alleged abuser Dr. Luke. On Friday (Feb. 19), the "Timber" singer appeared in a New York City courtroom for an injunction that would allow her to work with another label and producer, but her request was denied.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich denied Kesha's request to be released from her Sony contract, saying that Dr. Luke's (real name Lukasz Gottwald) investments and the typicality of her contract negate her claims for release.

Despite Kesha's lawyer's arguments that her career is in jeopardy if she is not allowed to release and record music away from her rapist, Justice Kornreich didn't believe that Sony Music was being as limited as Kesha and her team claim. Dr. Luke reportedly invested $60 million in Kesha's career and said that she was, in fact, allowed to record without his involvement.

"You're asking the court to decimate a contract that was heavily negotiated and typical for the industry," the judge said. She then claimed to do the "commercially reasonable thing" and maintain the contract. Kornreich also cited a lack of medical evidence for Kesha's claimed multiple assaults as a reason for maintaining the contract, calling granting an injunction an "extraordinary measure."

Kesha's lawyer Mark Geragos said that Kesha was open to recording with Sony away from Dr. Luke's imprint Kemosabe Records, but that the offer from the record company was an "elusive promise."

For his part, Dr. Luke claims that Kesha is trying to extort him after "becoming frustrated by a stalled career." He denies any claims of abuse. His lawyer team also denies these claims, calling Kesha's allegations vague and belated.

Tags

Kesha, Dr. Luke