Dr. Luke has had to navigate some very turbulent waters over the past several months, fighting accusations that he drugged and sexually assaulted Kesha. Those accusations were recently thrown out by a New York City, but his own Kemosabe Records has announced layoffs to the staff that apparently has absolutely nothing to do with the case.
The label isn't shutting down, just downsizing, says a Kemosabe spokesperson to Pitchfork. The label was set up in partnership with Sony Music.
"Kemosabe Records and Sony elected to downsize certain departments," said Kemosabe to Pitchfork in a statement. "Some of those functions will be handled by Sony as part of their joint venture relationship. Kemosabe continues to be fully operational and is excited about its current releases and the upcoming year."
They deny that any of this has to do with the Kesha case, though the timing would suggest otherwise.
Artists on the roster include R. City, Sophia Black, Elliphant, Christian Burghardt, Becky G, Lunchmoney Lewis and Lil Bibby. Kesha is still signed to the label, but has sworn that she will never work with Dr. Luke again.
Kemosabe and specifically Dr. Luke have filled headlines lately after being accused of drugging and sexually assaulting Kesha. The case evolved into much more than a legal battle in the court system, with various pop stars rallying behind Kesha and fans staging large #FreeKesha rallies outside of the New York City court house where the case took place and Sony Music's headquarters when a decision was handed down. The singer revealed that she was offered a way out of the label by offering a public apology to Dr. Luke for her accusations, something he and his team deny.
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