Warning: This post includes discussion of rape.
In a 2014 California civil filing, Kesha argued that she should be released from her recording contract with Dr. Luke as he had allegedly “sexually, physically, verbally and emotionally abused” her, resulting in an eating disorder. In particular, she accused him of drugging and raping her after a party in 2005, shortly after they began working together. The ensuing legal battles, where Dr. Luke filed a number of defamation lawsuits of his own, spawned the #FreeKesha movement.
The trial was set to begin next month, but earlier today, joint statements posted on both Kesha and Dr. Luke's Instagram accounts read that they had both "agreed to a resolution of the lawsuit."
Kesha's statement then read, “Only God knows what happened that night. As I always said, I cannot recount everything that happened. I am looking forward to closing the door on this chapter of my life and beginning a new one. I wish nothing but peace to all parties involved.”
Dr. Luke, whose real name is Lukasz Gottwald, had a statement which read, "While I appreciate Kesha again acknowledging that she cannot recount what happened that night in 2005. I am absolutely certain that nothing happened. I never drugged or assaulted her and would never do that to anyone. For the sake of my family, I have vigorously fought to clear my name for nearly 10 years. It is time for me to put this difficult matter behind me and move on with my life. I wish Kesha well.”
Kesha's album Gag Order was released in May under Kemosabe Records, Dr. Luke's record label. She told Shape in an interview published this week, "I had to shed light on the darker sides of what happens in my mind. This was me saying, ‘Yeah, I’ve had this self-imposed, implied gag order since I can remember, ’cause I’m still in litigation.’”
The details of the settlement are not known.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here.