Pop artist Kesha is suing her long-time producer Dr. Luke for alleged pressured drug use and sexual assault.
But within hours, news that the multi-Grammy winning producer is suing her right back. Luke filed his own countersuit claiming the singer threatened to “spread lies” about him if he did not break her contract. (Video via Billboard)
The duo’s decade-long partnership in the music industry began when the singer signed with Luke’s label Kemosabe records at the age of 18. Court documents obtained by TMZ suggest for the next 10 years the producer pushed her to snort substances and drink alcohol, while making multiple sexual advances toward her.
Kesha’s lawyer, Mark Geragos told TMZ "The facts presented in our lawsuit paint a picture of a man who is controlling and willing to commit horrible acts of abuse in an attempt to intimidate an impressionable, talented, young female artist into submission for his personal gain.”
Perhaps it’s important to note Kesha is currently trying to convince a judge to break her contract with the producer. These documents could help her case.
The feud first went public last year, when the pop star’s fanbase started a “Free Kesha” campaign in hopes of dissolving her contact with Luke’s label. Kesha told Rolling Stone, “I feel like my fans are really protective of me. They just want to see me grow as an artist, which I agree with. Hopefully in the future, I'll be in a position where I can put out a ballad or a more vulnerable song."
MTV, among other entertainment outlets, brought up why Kesha may be taking these allegations to court right now— her recent stint in rehab for an eating disorder. Initial reports claimed Kesha accused Dr. Luke of driving her disorder by telling her she was quote— “not that pretty” and “not that talented”.
No court date has been set. Dr. Luke has not been formally charged on any of Kesha’s accusations as of Tuesday.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
