An ugly battle between pop star Kesha, super-producer Dr. Luke, and mega-label Sony Music Entertainment took another twist on Friday, with Sony finally responding to the situation.
The message, quite simply, is that this isn’t their beef. “Sony has made it possible for Kesha to record without any connection, involvement or interaction with Luke whatsoever, but Sony is not in a position to terminate the contractual relationship between Luke and Kesha,” Sony Music Entertainment attorney Scott Edelman told the New York Times.
“Sony is doing everything it can to support the artist in these circumstances, but is legally unable to terminate the contract to which it is not a party.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Luke himself has fired back, claiming absolutely no wrongdoing or even sexual contact with Kesha. The producer, who has not been found guilty of any of the charges, also questioned whether a public shaming and the destruction of his reputation was justified. “Imagine if you or someone you loved was publicly accused of a rape you knew they didn’t do,” Dr. Luke (real name: Lukasz Gottwald) tweeted on February 22nd.
“Imagine that.”
Luke’s tar-and-feathering has indeed been high-profile, even though he may be innocent. Kesha has drawn rallies of fans and massive media attention, with superstars like Adele and Taylor Swift lending their support. Swift even donated $250,000 to the defense effort against Dr. Luke.
Luke also raised the possibility that Kesha is merely using the shame circus to extricate herself from her Sony contract, an accusation she denies. “All I ever wanted was to be able to make music without being afraid, scared, or abused,” Kesha bled on her Facebook page this week. “This case has never been about a renegotiation of my record contract — it was never about getting a bigger, or a better deal. This is about being free from my abuser. I would be willing to work with Sony if they do the right thing and break all ties that bind me to my abuser.”
Sony has already agreed to work directly with Kesha.
“Luke’s tar-and-feathering has indeed been profile, even though he may be innocent. Adele has drawn rallies of fans and massive media attention, with superstars like Adele and Taylor Swift lending their support.”
Paul, you need to hire an editor.
That’s hurtful.
Your headline is also a quote…but there is no such quote in the story, and therefore it is misleading. Yes, you do need an editor.
Hello Paul,
Have you met any any artists/labels with possibly trillions of views on YOUTUBE that never signed the GOOGLE indie artist agreement?