Following a long string of legal troubles, Sony Music is reportedly set to end its working relationship with Dr. Luke.
According to The Hollywood Reporter and newly surfaced court documents, the producer born Lukasz Gottwald is no longer the CEO of Kemosabe Records, with the label saying he no longer has authority to act on its behalf. A webpage on Sony Music's website dedicated to Dr. Luke has also been taken down.
In March of last year, The Wrap reported that the partnership between the producer and label was set to end thanks to the "public relations headache" caused by the legal battle between Gottwald and recording artist Kesha. The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that Gottwald sexually assaulted and raped the pop singer.
A lawyer for the producer then denied the fallout, saying that "Luke has an excellent relationship with Sony. His representatives are in regular contact with executives at the highest levels at Sony and this has never come up."
Kesha came forward with her accusations in 2014, also claiming that Gottwald had "suffocating control" over her life for 10 years, had denied her profits from her work and had insulted her concerning her looks. Along with public backlash, pop stars such as Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson spoke out in support of the viral #FreeKesha campaign.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that Kesha will no longer have Sony as a go-between in further legal proceedings against Gottwald. The producer's defamation case against Kesha remains open, with his lawyers continuing to collect evidence about how his own career has suffered in the wake of the allegations.
Lawyers for Dr. Luke and Sony declined The Hollywood Reporter's requests for comment. Kesha's reps were also unavailable for comment.
According to The Hollywood Reporter and newly surfaced court documents, the producer born Lukasz Gottwald is no longer the CEO of Kemosabe Records, with the label saying he no longer has authority to act on its behalf. A webpage on Sony Music's website dedicated to Dr. Luke has also been taken down.
In March of last year, The Wrap reported that the partnership between the producer and label was set to end thanks to the "public relations headache" caused by the legal battle between Gottwald and recording artist Kesha. The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that Gottwald sexually assaulted and raped the pop singer.
A lawyer for the producer then denied the fallout, saying that "Luke has an excellent relationship with Sony. His representatives are in regular contact with executives at the highest levels at Sony and this has never come up."
Kesha came forward with her accusations in 2014, also claiming that Gottwald had "suffocating control" over her life for 10 years, had denied her profits from her work and had insulted her concerning her looks. Along with public backlash, pop stars such as Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson spoke out in support of the viral #FreeKesha campaign.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that Kesha will no longer have Sony as a go-between in further legal proceedings against Gottwald. The producer's defamation case against Kesha remains open, with his lawyers continuing to collect evidence about how his own career has suffered in the wake of the allegations.
Lawyers for Dr. Luke and Sony declined The Hollywood Reporter's requests for comment. Kesha's reps were also unavailable for comment.
