Dr. Luke’s Camp Responds To Kesha’s ‘NYT Magazine’ Story

Carl Williott | October 26, 2016 4:46 pm

Earlier today, the New York Times Magazine unveiled its cover story about Kesha and her ongoing legal battle with Dr. Luke. And a few hours later, Luke’s attorney, Christine Lepera (who was also quoted in the article) refuted much of the piece in an official statement. The response from Luke’s camp claims Kesha continues to “maliciously level false accusations” in the media and that “she exiled herself.”

“The New York Times Magazine profile piece that ran today unfortunately has many inaccuracies,” it starts. “This article is part of a continuing coordinated press campaign by Kesha to mislead the public, mischaracterize what has transpired over the last two years, and gain unwarranted sympathy.”

The statement does confirm Kesha submitted 22 new songs, but disputes the timing described in the article, and it corroborates that Kesha and the label have agreed on a list of producers for her new material.

Read the full statement below.

“The New York Times Magazine profile piece that ran today unfortunately has many inaccuracies.

This article is part of a continuing coordinated press campaign by Kesha to mislead the public, mischaracterize what has transpired over the last two years, and gain unwarranted sympathy.

Kesha filed a shock and awe complaint of alleged abuse against Luke Gottwald in 2014 — for contract negotiation leverage. It backfired.

She never intended to prove her claims. She has voluntarily withdrawn her California complaint, after having her counterclaims in New York for alleged abuse dismissed.

Nevertheless, she continues to maliciously level false accusations in the press to attack our client.

The reality is that for well over two years, Kesha chose—and it was entirely her choice—not to provide her label with any music.

Kesha was always free to move forward with her music, and an album could have been released long ago had she done so.

She exiled herself.

It was not until months after the denial of her injunction motion – for the first time in June and July 2016–that Kesha started to provide the label with music.

She provided 22 recordings created without any label consultation which were not in compliance with her contract, were in various stages of development, and which Kesha’s own team acknowledged needed work. Then, and for the last several months, the label has been in discussions with Kesha and her team to choose the best music, create additional music, and work on the tracks created.

A&R representatives of both Kemosabe and RCA have provided Kesha with detailed feedback in writing and in person on the tracks she provided to help her further develop the material. Kesha has also agreed with Kemosabe and RCA on a list of producers who will work with her on these tracks, a studio has been reserved for these sessions, and a budget for certain work provided.

The creation of an album is a process, however what has clearly been communicated is that the aim is for a release date as early as possible. It is in the economic best interest of the label and Mr. Gottwald to put out a top selling album, and that takes time. In fact, the label suggested an early release of an advance Kesha track. It was Kesha’s team who rejected this proposal.

Kesha’s claim in the article that she has no ability to earn money outside of touring is completely rebutted by well documented public court records which apparently escaped the article’s attention.”

The NYT profile was Kesha’s first interview since filing the lawsuit in 2014.

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