Sony Music is expected to end its relations with controversial producer Lukasz “Dr Luke” Gottwald a year ahead of the end of his contract following the public pressure regarding Kesha’s rape allegations.
Kesha initially accused Dr Luke of sexual assault in 2014, and in February 2016, she was denied of a preliminary injunction that would have freed her from her contractual obligation to create music with her supposed abuser. Following this denial, a wave of social media support broke through and the #FreeKesha movement took off – including a mass of support for the singer from influential fellow artists such as Adele, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and many more.
As of yet, it is unknown as to how Sony intends to free themselves from the relationship with the 42 year old producer and this would ultimately end on the decision of CEO Doug Morris and his boss, Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton. According to TheWrap, a dissolution of Dr Luke’s contract would be a “direct breach, so a negotiated exit would be most likely to save face on both sides.”
“There is no contest. Kesha has no case in regards to her contract but they can’t afford the Adeles of the world out in the streets calling the label unsupportive,” a source has further revealed. “The fact that this hasn’t already been taken care of with Luke is confusing, especially for people in the building.”
Gottwald, who has repeatedly denied the accusations, has signed a five year contract that is due to end in early 2017 and it is also unclear at this time as to what would happen to Dr Luke’s other signed artists, such as the “Bills” singer, Lunchmoney Lewis.
Over his five years, Gottwald has provided Sony with massive hits like Miley Cyrus’ Wrecking Ball, but is this worth the extreme pressure that is being put on Sony Music? Do you agree that Sony should get rid of Dr Luke? Leave a comment or tweet us at @CelebMix!