Dr. Luke Is Keeping Kesha From Performing At The Billboard Music Awards

Trigger warning: This article discusses rape and sexual abuse.

If you thought – or at least hoped – that Kesha’s ongoing battle with Dr. Luke had come to an end, we have more bad news to report.

The singer’s planned performance at this weekend’s Billboard Music Awards has been canned, after Dr. Luke’s label, Kemosabe Records, stepped in to prevent the performance, Billboard reports.

(Wondering how they could do that? After receiving an invite to perform, Kemosabe gave written approval for Kesha to participate. Then, they took it back.)

Previous reports had suggested Kesha would directly reference her legal stoush with the music producer - and perhaps even include images of Dr. Luke - on stage.

However, Kesha has since explained on Instagram that the performance was merely going to be a tribute to Bob Dylan, in the form of a cover of “It Ain’t Me, Babe”.

I was very excited to perform a tribute to Bob Dylan by singing a cover of "It ain't me, babe" at the Billboard awards this year. I'm very sad and sorry to say I won't be allowed to do this. I just wanted to make very clear that this performance was about me honoring one of my favorite songwriters of all time and has never had anything at all to do with Dr. Luke. I was never going to use a picture of him, speak of him or allude to my legal situation in any way. I simply wanted to sing a song I love to honor an artist I have always looked up to. thank u all for the continued support.

A photo posted by Kesha (@iiswhoiis) on May 17, 2016 at 3:57pm PDT

“I just wanted to make very clear that this performance was about me honouring one of my favorite songwriters of all time and has never had anything at all to do with Dr. Luke,” she said.

Back in April, a New York judge denied Kesha’s request to be freed from her Sony contract. (Sony owns Kemosabe.)

The singer had been seeking release from the contract, suggesting the label had forced her to work with Dr. Luke.

Kesha had previously accused Dr. Luke (aka Lukasz Gottwald) of having drugged and raped her.

Dr. Luke has denied all allegations.

Are you experiencing sexual assault or domestic and family violence? Seeking to support someone who is? Call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

Photo: Instagram.