Kesha Chops "Tik Tok" Diddy Reference from Live Show Following Cassie Lawsuit

Two recent performances saw a new version of the song's opening lyrics

Photo: Vince Haycock

BY Kaelen BellPublished Nov 20, 2023

The following article contains potentially triggering material relating to sexual assault and violence. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct and are looking for support, consult the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime to find resources in your area.

Last week, it was revealed that Cassie was suing Sean "Diddy" Combs for rape and repeated physical abuse — the accusations made in Cassie's suit were incredibly disturbing and spanned several years. 

This weekend, it was announced that the case was being settled, with Cassie saying in a statement that she "decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support."

In the wake of Cassie's accusations, Kesha has altered a line in her 2009 hit "Tik Tok" during recent live performances, chopping Diddy's name from the song's opening line. "Tik Tok" opens with the line "wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy," and at Friday night's Oakland's Fox Theater and Saturday night's Hollywood Palladium show, Kesha changed the line to "wake up in the morning feeling just like me." 

Back in 2014, Kesha sued Dr. Luke for years of alleged abuse that included sexual assault — the suit sparked a decade-long legal battle that ended in the two settling earlier this year. 

Cassie's accusations against Combs include forcing her to have sex with a succession of male prostitutes while he masturbated and filmed the encounters, beating her in fits of "uncontrollable rage," and plying her with drugs like ecstasy and ketamine. She also accuses Combs of blowing up Kid Cudi's car in an act of jealousy. Cassie also claimed that Combs forced his way into her house and raped her in 2018. 

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