Pop singer Kesha Sebert filed a lawsuit claiming that her producer Lukasz Gottwald, also known as Dr. Luke, sexually assaulted her and engaged in emotional and physical abuse over a period of 10 years. The singer claims abuse and unwanted sexual advances began soon after signing with Dr. Luke’s label, Kemosabe Entertainment, and his Prescription Songs music publishing company at the age of 18. Among the most serious allegations is that Luke forced her to drink and do drugs on several occasions and forced himself on her while her defenses were down.
In a statement to the website TMZ, Kesha’s lawyer Mark Geragos said “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 an instance of sexual assault at the hands of Dr. Luke.” He added, “The facts presented in our lawsuit paint a picture of a man who is controlling and willing to commit horrible acts of abuse in an attempt to intimidate an impressionable, talented, young female artist into submission for his personal gain. Kesha is focused on moving her life and her career beyond this terrible time.”
Kesha also alleges Dr. Luke physically attacked her and subjected her to emotional abuse which led to an eating disorder and drug abuse for which she was treated. She is asking a judge to free her from her contracts with Gottwald. At this time, Gottwald’s representatives have yet to respond to the lawsuits or the allegations of abuse.
Happier times, as Adam Lambert, Max Martin, Lukasz ’Dr. Luke Gottwald and Kesha appear onstage at the 28th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards.