Late last week, a New York court denied Kesha’s petition for an injunction to leave her contract with Sony Entertainment. This was a civil action that she based upon allegations of abuse (both emotional and physical, including rape) by her producer, Dr. Luke. The weekend saw a rush of support by Kesha’s pop star supporters, and Taylor Swift didn’t simply add her voice. She also handed $250,000 to Kesha in a show of solidarity.
On Monday, Dr. Luke’s lawyer issued a statement to say Kesha was already “free” to go about her business. Attorney Christine Lepara said Kesha can record with another producer under Sony; and further, Dr. Luke denied all of Kesha’s allegations as a “smear campaign.” Lepara pointed out how Kesha never filed criminal charges and signed another contract during murky periods in the timeline. Dr. Luke believes Kesha used her lawsuit as a method of extortion, and he’s now breaking his silence with a flurry of tweets (including a mention of the University of Virginia scandal):
Until now I haven’t commented on the lawsuits, which should be resolved in court not here on Twitter.
— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016
It’s a shame that there’s so much speculation out there basing itself on so little information.
— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016
The only truly objective person who knows the facts is the judge. The judge did not rule in Kesha's favor on Friday
— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016
I understand why people without all the information are speaking out. I can appreciate their compassion.
— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016
But lives can get ruined when there’s a rush to judgment before all the facts come out. Look what happened at UVA, Duke etc.
— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016
I didn’t rape Kesha and I have never had sex with her. Kesha and I were friends for many years and she was like my little sister.
— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016
Mark Geragos (kesha's attorney) represented Scott Peterson and Chris Brown. How can he pretend he cares about women's rights?
— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016
Imagine if you or somebody you loved was publicly accused of a rape you knew they didn't do. Imagine that.
— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016
I have 3 sisters, a daughter, and a son with my girlfriend, and a feminist mom who raised me right.
— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016
I want to thank all my friends and family who have supported me throughout this.
— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) February 22, 2016
The tweets continue, and you can see more at Dr. Luke’s account where he admits “creative differences” occurred, but he strongly denies all claims of abuse and rape. Dr. Luke then decides to end the conversation, which he says should only be discussed in court. Although Kesha is now — according to Dr. Luke’s lawyer — not bound to directly work with him, she’s still under contract with Sony and can only record (and sell merchandise) under his imprint.