On Friday, a New York Supreme Court judge denied Kesha an injunction that would grant her freedom from her record label. The pop singer is looking for way out of her contract with Sony, in order to sever ties with her former manager and producer Dr. Luke, who she claims has abused her both physically and emotionally over the past ten years.
Dr. Luke has denied these claims and stated that he believes that Kesha is trying to extort him, citing frustration from her stalled career. His attorneys say that the claims of harm are overstated, and occurred too long ago and should be considered vague.
Ultimately, the court agreed.
“You’re asking the court to decimate a contract that was heavily negotiated and is typical for the industry,” Judge Shirley Kornreich said. “My instinct is to do the commercially reasonable thing. I don’t understand why I have to take the extraordinary measure of granting an injunction.”
Kornreich also cited the lack of medical evidence to corroborate Kesha’s allegations.
Kesha’s attorneys focused their argument on the brevity of a typical pop stars’ career, and that refusal to grant the injunction and have her removed from the label could cause irreparable career damage.
This story is certainly noteworthy, given the recent disturbing incidents involving sexual assault within the music industry. Kesha may still be aboard Sony for now, but this is likely not the last we have heard from this.
Kesha’s second album, Warrior, was released in 2012, following her debut LP in 2010, Animal.
UPDATE (02/22/16): According to Spin, Taylor Swift has donated $250,000 in a showing of support to Kesha to assist with any financial difficulties during this time.
UPDATE (02/23/16): Lena Dunham, creator of Girls, has written textual piece supporting Kesha in her newsletter.
Additionally, Dr. Luke took to Twitter to claim his innocence.
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