In the latest chapter of the supposed slave vs. master saga between Kesha and Dr. Luke, the producer has blocked the singer from performing at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.
Kesha was expected to perform a Bob Dylan tribute at the award show, singing a cover of his song “It Ain’t Me, Babe.” But dick clark productions, which oversees the award show, revealed that Dr. Luke and his Kemosabe Records have “rescinded its approval.”
DCP statement via Billboard:
“Kesha accepted an invitation to perform on the show and she received written approval from Dr. Luke’s record label, Kemosabe Records. Kemosabe subsequently rescinded its approval following a media report on Wednesday May 11 regarding Kesha’s appearance on the BBMAs. Unfortunately, Kesha and Kemosabe have since been unable to come to an agreement for Kesha to perform on the show. Dick clark productions has a long standing relationship with Kesha. We hope that the parties can come to an arrangement such that we can continue that long standing relationship with a performance by Kesha on the Billboard Music Awards stage on May 22nd.”
The “approval rescinding” comes after a highly-publicized court battle between the two. 29-year old Kesha accused Dr. Luke of sexual assault in 2014 saying that the producer had been abusive towards her since she signed to his label at the age of 18. Kesha tried to sue her way out of having to work with Luke, but a Manhattan civil court ruled that she was contractually obligated to continue working with the man she accused of rape. Luke has denied the claims and the case was eventually thrown out altogether.
Photo: Screenshot
