Kesha & Dr Luke Settle Defamation Lawsuit

CONTENT WARNING: This article contains a discussion of sexual assault. If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

Kesha and Dr Luke have settled a defamation lawsuit out of court, weeks before the trial was set to take place. Details of the settlement aren’t known at this time.

Dr Luke (real name Lukasz Gottwald) sued Kesha after she filed a suit alleging Gottwald sexually, physically, verbally and emotionally abused her since the age of 18 when she first signed with him. Kesha came forward with her allegations in 2014.

"This lawsuit is a wholehearted effort by Kesha to regain control of her music career and her personal freedom after suffering for ten years as a victim of mental manipulation, emotional abuse and sexual assault at the hands of Dr Luke," Ke$ha's lawyer, Mark Geragos, told Rolling Stone.

After twists and turns, including Dr Luke suing Kesha for defamation, she dropped her sexual assault lawsuit in California, looking to fight in New York courts instead.

The defamation case has continued over time, with Kesha naming her most recent album, Gag Order, after her legal battle with the ex-producer and label owner, who she alleged hurt her during an extended period of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and attempted to get out of a record contract.  

Stereogum reports that Kesha and Dr Luke have settled the case outside the courts, with the pair issuing a joint statement on Kesha’s social media.

“Only God knows what happened that night,” Kesha wrote. “As I have always said, I cannot recount everything that happened. I am looking forward to closing the door on this chapter of my life and beginning a new one. I wish nothing but peace to all parties involved.”

Dr Luke’s statement reads: “While I appreciate Kesha again acknowledging that she cannot recount what happened that night in 2005, I am absolutely certain that nothing happened,” he wrote. “I never drugged or assaulted her and would never do that to anyone.

“For the sake of my family, I have vigorously fought to clear my name for nearly 10 years. It is time for me to put this difficult matter behind me and move on with my life. I wish Kesha well.”