Dr. Luke’s days with Sony are reportedly be numbered. Amid lawsuit allegations that he drugged and raped Kesha early in her career and the backlash that has followed, Sony is rumored to be cutting the producer’s contract short.
Reports The Wrap:
Sony Music is expected to end its working relationship with controversial producer Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald a year ahead of his contract’s expiration, knowledgeable individuals have told TheWrap.
The output deal has become a public relations headache for the company since pop star Kesha’s sexual abuse allegations against Gottwald have resulted in a nasty court battle — and a groundswell of support for the singer from influential fellow artists like Adele, Lady Gaga and Kelly Clarkson.
A Sony Music spokesperson declined to comment on the matter. Representatives for Gottwald did not return TheWrap’s requests for comment.
“There is no contest. Kesha has no case in regards to her contract but they can’t afford the Adeles of the world out in the streets calling the label unsupportive,” one individual familiar with upper management’s thinking told TheWrap. “The fact that this hasn’t already been taken care of with Luke is confusing, especially for people in the building.”
Insiders within Luke’s circle claim the story is totally false and Sony is riding for him. According to TMZ, “Luke has an excellent relationship with Sony. His representatives are in regular contact with executives at the highest levels at Sony, and this has never come up.”
42-year-old Luke has denied Kesha’s allegations, as women in the music industry and fans, continue to come to her defense. Curiously, Luke posted an old story about Lady Gaga as proof that Kesha is lying, yet Gaga has voiced support for her.
Social media reacted to Luke’s allegedly forthcoming departure with a #SonyIsDroppingDrLukeParty.
Hit the flip for tweets.
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Photo: screencap
