Pop star Kesha has accused label bosses at Sony Music Entertainment (SME) of forcing "an abusive relationship" between herself and producer Dr Luke by reportedly turning "a blind eye" to allegations of his inappropriate behaviour.
The 'TiK ToK' hitmaker made headlines in October when she launched legal action against Dr Luke, real name Lukasz Gottwald, accusing him of submitting her to years of sexual, physical, verbal and emotional abuse, which led to her 60-day stint in a rehab facility last year.
Dr Luke denied the claims and filed a countersuit in New York for defamation and extortion, while also asking a judge to dismiss Kesha's papers, which he insists are just a desperate attempt to terminate her contract.
The singer, real name Kesha Sebert, has since amended her original Los Angeles Superior Court filing, and now she's turned on Sony executives by adding them as defendants in the suit.
Papers obtained by The Hollywood Reporter read: "Dr Luke's proclivity for abusive conduct was open and obvious to (Sony) executives, who either knew of the conduct and turned a blind eye, failed to investigate Dr. Luke's conduct, failed to take any corrective action, or actively concealed Dr Luke's abuse."
Kesha's lawyers, led by Mark Geragos, go on to allege there are other female musicians who have also suffered abuse at the hands of Dr Luke, adding: "SME's conduct placed Jane Doe female artists, including Ms Sebert, in physical danger by giving Dr Luke full creative and business control, with nearly limitless financial resources, over young female artists who necessarily were compelled to become dependent upon his good will...
"Based on SME's conduct, SME has forced an abusive relationship between Dr Luke and Ms Sebert to this day."
Sony chiefs have declined to comment on the lawsuit developments, but Christine Lepera, attorney for Dr Luke, has dismissed the latest allegations, stating, "This seems like a desperate effort. It's conclusions without facts, and there's nothing new. They are trying to embroil Sony and it won't work."
Kesha's efforts to drag Sony bosses into the dispute are allegedly aimed at having the case heard in Los Angeles, instead of New York, where Dr Luke filed his countersuit, citing a forum clause in the singer's contract.
WENN.com
source: newshub archive
