Recording artist Kesha performs onstage during the 2016 Billboard Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena on May 22, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo : Getty Images / Kevin Winter)
The Kesha vs Dr. Luke lawsuit had a surprising turn of events on August 1, Monday when Kesha Rose Sebert aka Kesha (formerly Ke$ha) dismissed her sexual assault charges in California, but it is not a game changer. The case started in Oct. 2014 when the singer sued her producer Lukasz Sebastian Gottwald, better known as Dr. Luke for emotional, sexual and physical abuse.
The singer-songwriter's California case was reportedly suspended due to an agreement in her contract with Sony which states that disputes should be settled in New York. Such provisions are typically honored by California Courts. The latter usually dismiss or suspend local action if there is a valid contract that requires a dispute to be processed in a different country or state, The Wrap reported quoting entertainment litigator Devin McRae of Early, Sullivan, Wright, Gizer & McRae from Los Angeles.
"Kesha pursues her appeal and other legal claims in the New York courts," the singer's counsel, Daniel Petrocelli told E! News in an official statement. "Kesha is focused on getting back to work and has delivered 28 new songs to the record label."
Petrocelli said Sony has been informed of Kesha's desire to release her next album the soonest possible time. The popstar posted on Instagram about moving on with the legal battle in New York and thanks her fans for their support.
A photo posted by Kesha (@iiswhoiis) on Aug 1, 2016 at 6:38pm PDT
Meanwhile, the legal team of Dr. Luke slammed Kesha for her claims which they see as "false and meritless." They believe the 29-year-old singer voluntarily dismissed her California case because she has no chance of winning it. She allegedly lost the New York Action in her counterclaims against Dr. Luke earlier this year.
The "Timber" singer has been bound to Dr. Luke and his Kemosabe label under Sony Music that makes her unable to release new music while the case is ongoing. She has been able to perform at select events though, such as in the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.
On his part, Dr. Luke denied Kesha's allegations of sexual assault or battery. He took to Twitter in February saying he had never raped or had sex with her. He expressed she looks like a sister to him and their experience of making songs together was great.
The 42-year-old record producer expressed his disgust to having their creative and professional collaboration resulting to something horrendous. He did not elaborate as he believes the case should be discussed in court and not on social media.
The development of the Kesha vs Dr. Luke follows shortly after Kesha addressed her painful feeling amidst the legal saga. She performed in Philadelphia for Gabby Giffords at the Americans for Responsible Solution PAC when she paused and thanked the politician. She talked about her "pain" not only from her legal battle but from the nation's recent tragedies.
Listen to Pitbull's "Timber" below featuring Kesha.
