Kesha: This is the tragic story of what happened to the 'Tik Tok' singer

TW: mentions of abuse

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The music industry has been known to be competitive, ruthless, and filled with unethical practices. Practices that can put amateur and newbie musicians in a difficult place, if they are not guided by the right people. We've heard horrifying stories of artists being taken advantage of time and again. This is the story of Kesha.

The TikTok singer had been fighting a battle against music producer Dr. Luke for years after she accused him of assault, abuse, and manipulation. Moreover, despite the allegations and legal struggle, she had signed a contract with him that prevented her from making new music on her own terms.

Here’s everything you need to know about the pop-star’s legal battle.

Kesha vs Dr. Luke

thumbnail — Kesha vs Dr. Luke John Shearer / Getty_Images

Dr. Luke is a well-known music producer who isbehind major hits for artists like Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, and Doja Cat. He is the one who produced Kesha’s discography and was involved with her work since her debut album. He may have been involved in her early success, but nothing was alright behind-the-scenes.

Kesha's legal battle against Dr. Luke began in 2014, when she filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse. This followed allegations that Luke had raped Kesha in 2005 and subjected her to years of manipulation, leading to her request for freedom from her recording contract. Dr. Luke countersued for defamation, denying all allegations and claiming Kesha was fabricating the story for financial gain.

Since 2014, this case has seen numerous legal developments. Kesha's attempts to gain release from her contract were denied in 2016, with courts ruling that she had to continue working under her existing deal with Dr. Luke.

According to reports, Dr. Luke exercised significant control over Kesha’s career, particularly in regard to her record label. After Kesha signed a six-album deal with him in 2005, she was bound to his production companies and later to his Sony imprint, Kemosabe Records, which he co-founded. Throughout their legal battle, Kesha sought release from this contract, claiming that Luke’s influence over her label ties, specifically through Kemosabe, kept her under his control, stifling her career and creative freedom. The deal ended in 2023, with the release of her final album with the label, Gag Order.

The end of the fight

Kesha faced multiple setbacks in her legal efforts, including defamation rulings in favor of Dr. Luke. Despite strong support from fans and artists like Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, Kesha’s fight for legal justice continued.

In 2023, the legal dispute ended when both parties reached a settlement, closing a nearly decade-long battle. Kesha acknowledged she couldn’t fully recount the events of 2005, and Dr. Luke maintained his innocence, claiming he never assaulted her. Both expressed a desire to move forward and leave the painful chapter behind.