Why did Kesha sue Dr Luke and what happened?

Kesha and music producer Dr Luke have finally reached a settlement after a defamation battle stretching back to 2014 – just a month before the case was set to go to trial.

The singer shared the news in an Instagram post on Thursday June 23, revealing that both parties agreed to issue a joint statement following the resolution of their lawsuit. 

But why exactly did Kesha sue Dr Luke in the first place? What have the pair said following the resolution of the case? 

Read on below for everything you need to know about the Kesha vs Dr Luke lawsuit. 

 Kesha leaves the New York State Supreme Court on February 19, 2016 

Why did Kesha sue Dr Luke? 

Kesha initially sued Dr Luke in 2014, accusing the producer of sexual assault and battery. She also claimed that his abusive behavior led to her developing an eating disorder.

Dr Luke – whose real name is Lukasz Gottwald – then fired right back with a defamation lawsuit of his own that same year. 

Gottwald claimed that Kesha falsely accused him of rape in 2005, while in 2016 – Kesha also publicly accused Dr Luke of raping Katy Perry. 

Perry denied that Dr Luke raped her in a deposition and a New York state judge ruled against Kesha in 2020 saying she had defamed her former producer. 

That decision was subsequently upheld by an appeals court in 2021.

The trial for the case was due to begin on July 19, after a New York Court of Appeals ruling that determined Dr. Luke was considered a ‘limited public figure’ in the case. 

What have Kesha and Dr Luke said about the lawsuit?

Commenting after a settlement was reached between herself and Dr Luke, Kesha wrote: ‘Only God knows what happened that night. 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.’

The statement was followed by Dr Luke’s message, which read: ‘While I appreciate Kesha again acknowledging that she cannot recount what happened that night in 2005. I am absolutely certain that nothing happened.

The pair’s long legal battle began in October 2014, when Kesha sued Dr. Luke (pictured) for sexual assault and battery

‘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.’

He finished his statement by saying: ‘I wish Kesha well.’

Kesha – who released her debut album ‘Animal’ in 2010 – has had enormous success with hits including ‘Tik Tok’, ‘Blah Blah Blah’ and ‘Your Love Is My Drug’. 

Dr Luke meanwhile, has been nominated for seven Grammy Awards as a producer and also won consecutive ASCAP Pop Music Awards for Songwriter of the Year in 2010 and 2011. 

The judge ruled that Kesha must pay Dr. Luke $373,000 in interest for her late payment to him for over $1.3million in royalties.