Sony Music is reportedly expected to end its working relationship with producer Dr. Luke ahead of his recording contract's expiration.
The Wrap reports that the ongoing battle between Dr. Luke (a.k.a. Lukasz Gottwald) and recording artist Kesha has become "a public relations headache" for the major label amidst allegations that he sexually assaulted and raped the pop singer. Kesha came forward with her accusations in 2014 and had a request to be freed from her recording contract denied in court last month.
Along with public backlash, fellow pop music stars such as Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson have spoken out in support of the #FreeKesha campaign. "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 told The Wrap. "The fact that this hasn't already been taken care of with Luke is confusing, especially for people in the building."
While further details of Sony's plans are scarce, The Wrap also reports that a decision would need to come from Sony Music CEO Doug Morris and his boss, Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton, indicating that a negotiated exit would be likely to "save face on both sides."
Dr. Luke took the Twitter last month to deny the allegations, calling them "motivated by money" and denying any sexual abuse.
UPDATE (03/09, 5 p.m.): In a statement to EW, a lawyer for Dr. Luke has stated the report that Sony would be dropping Dr. Luke is untrue. The lawyer said: "This is not true. 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."
The Wrap reports that the ongoing battle between Dr. Luke (a.k.a. Lukasz Gottwald) and recording artist Kesha has become "a public relations headache" for the major label amidst allegations that he sexually assaulted and raped the pop singer. Kesha came forward with her accusations in 2014 and had a request to be freed from her recording contract denied in court last month.
Along with public backlash, fellow pop music stars such as Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson have spoken out in support of the #FreeKesha campaign. "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 told The Wrap. "The fact that this hasn't already been taken care of with Luke is confusing, especially for people in the building."
While further details of Sony's plans are scarce, The Wrap also reports that a decision would need to come from Sony Music CEO Doug Morris and his boss, Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton, indicating that a negotiated exit would be likely to "save face on both sides."
Dr. Luke took the Twitter last month to deny the allegations, calling them "motivated by money" and denying any sexual abuse.
UPDATE (03/09, 5 p.m.): In a statement to EW, a lawyer for Dr. Luke has stated the report that Sony would be dropping Dr. Luke is untrue. The lawyer said: "This is not true. 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."
