Advertisement
Kesha rose to fame in the late 2000s and early 2010s with infectious hits like “TiK ToK,” but behind the glitz and glamour, her life took a dark turn. In 2005, at just 18 years old, she signed with Kemosabe Records, catapulting her into the music industry spotlight. However, her success was marred by a harrowing ordeal that would shake the foundation of her career.
In 2014, Kesha made headlines for reasons far removed from her chart-topping music. She initiated legal action against record producer Dr. Luke, alleging a litany of egregious offenses, including sexual assault, battery, emotional abuse, and gender violence. Kesha claimed that the abuse began in 2005 when she was drugged and raped by Dr. Luke, continuing for a decade thereafter.
The ensuing lawsuit against Dr. Luke, whose real name is Lukasz Gottwald, unfolded over nearly a year. Kesha sought a preliminary injunction to sever ties with Kemosabe Records, owned by Gottwald. However, her efforts were thwarted when the judge ruled against her in 2016. The dismissal cited a lack of evidence and the expiration of the statute of limitations on key allegations.
During this tumultuous period, Kesha received support from fellow artists like Taylor Swift, who provided financial aid for her legal battle. Conversely, some musicians, like Katy Perry, maintained neutrality to avoid taking sides. Nonetheless, there was widespread public outcry over the court’s decision, which effectively forced Kesha to continue working under the very individual she accused of assault.
Despite facing adversity, Kesha pressed on with her music career, releasing her third album, “Rainbow,” in 2017 under Kemosabe Records. However, her legal troubles persisted as Dr. Luke retaliated with a defamation lawsuit against her. This legal saga dragged on until 2023 when Kesha and Dr. Luke reached a settlement, the details of which remain undisclosed.
Finally, at the close of 2023, Kesha received a glimmer of hope as she was released from her contract with Kemosabe Records after fulfilling her obligation of five albums. In a TikTok post on December 21st, she expressed her newfound freedom, likening it to when she was 18. With a fresh start under Crush Management, Kesha hinted at a comeback, signaling that her creative spirit remained undeterred despite the challenges she faced. As she embarks on this new chapter, fans eagerly anticipate the resurgence of Kesha’s musical brilliance.