Kesha’s claims of sexual abuse by acclaimed music producer Dr. Luke just hit a major roadblock. On Wednesday, April 6, New York Judge Shirley Werner Kornreich ruled that the “Tik Tok” singer’s allegations that Dr. Luke (born Lukasz Gottwald), 42, raped her are void in the ongoing court case.
According to The Associated Press, Kornreich denied Kesha’s hate-crime and human-rights claims, noting that “every rape is not a gender-motivated hate crime.”
“Although [Luke’s] alleged actions were directed to Kesha, who is female, [her claims] do not allege that [Luke] harbored animus toward women or was motivated by gender animus when he allegedly behaved violently toward Kesha,” the judge continued, according to TMZ.
Additionally, Kornreich pointed out that the alleged rape and abuse happened outside New York and had taken place well beyond the legal time limit, so will not be considered in any future hearings.
The lawsuit will, however, proceed with regards to ending Kesha’s contract with Sony and Dr. Luke’s label, Kemosabe Records.
Reps for both the pop singer and the music producer have no comment.
On Sunday, April 3, the embattled singer, 29, shared a makeup-free selfie with fans, along with what, according to the pop star, is the latest development in her legal battle.
“So. I got offered my freedom IF I were to lie,” she wrote. “I would have to APOLOGIZE publicly and say that I never got raped. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS behind closed doors. I will not take back the TRUTH. I would rather let the truth ruin my career than lie for a monster ever again.”
A spokesperson for Dr. Luke responded to Kesha’s Instagram post in a statement later that day.
“Kesha’s Instagram posting is false,” the spokesperson told Us. “The Court repeatedly stated Kesha is already free to record without Dr. Luke, and that she had not presented any facts supporting her claims. That’s because all the evidence — including Kesha’s own videotaped sworn testimony — show her allegations are false. The only thing Kesha is not free to do it continue to lie about Dr. Luke through publicity stunts and outrageous smears, ignoring the fact that by her own free will she went to work and entered new contracts with Dr. Luke years after this ‘incident’ supposedly happened.”
“Her goal all along has been solely personal enrichment by seeking to break contracts that brought her success and millions so she can enter into more lucrative ones,” the rep continued. “We look forward to our day in court holding Kesha accountable for her lies.”
Dr. Luke and his lawyers have continued to deny any wrongdoing, and the music producer — who has created hits for A-list celebs including Kelly Clarkson and Miley Cyrus — has slammed Kesha’s accusations.
“I didn’t rape Kesha and I have never had sex with her,” he tweeted on February 22. “Kesha and I were friends for many years and she was like my little sister.”
