Kesha performing for fans. Photo courtesy of Facebook.
Summary: This week, a New York judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by music producer Dr. Luke against Kesha’s mother and manager.
Millions of fans of the pop star Kesha wait eagerly to see what will happen in her legal battle with her former mentor, Dr. Luke. In 2014, she filed a lawsuit seeking to get out of her contract with Dr. Luke’s label, Kemosabe. She claimed that he drugged and sexually abused her, and that she could no longer work with him.
Together, the two of them had mega music hits such as “Tik Tok” and “Your Love is my Drug.” Kesha has not released new music since 2013, and she is not able to while the legal war rages on. Last week, a video of her performing “Amazing Grace” went viral. The video was a plea from a fan to “#FreeKesha.” The creator Michael Eisele wanted fans to show support on the day of Kesha’s trial where a judge will determine whether or not she will be released from her label.
The original trial date was January 26 but due to weather problems in New York, the day has been moved to February 19.
After Kesha filed her lawsuit to free herself from Dr. Luke, he fought back. In October 2014, Dr. Luke claimed Kesha’s mother and manager orchestrated a public smear campaign against him. He said they also cajoled her into repudiating her recording contract. He filed lawsuits in New York and Tennessee.
On Wednesday, New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich dismissed Dr. Luke’s lawsuit against Kesha’s mother, Pebe Sebert, and her manager, Jack Rovner. Justice Kornreich said that New York has no jurisdiction in Dr. Luke’s case. His Tennessee case is still pending.
Dr. Luke is represented by Christine Lepera, who says she is exploring the possibility of an appeal. Lepera is a partner at Mitichell Silberberg & Knupp LLP. The company website states her specialization is entertainment litigation and advising.
Kesha is represented by Mark Geragos of Geragos & Geragos. Geragos spoke to the press in September after he filed a memorandum saying that if Kesha was not allowed to release new music soon, her career would be “effectively over.”
Source: The Hollywood Reporter