Kesha Has Dropped Her Sexual Assault Suit Against Dr. Luke In California

Trigger warning: This article discusses rape and sexual abuse.

Kesha has ended her legal action against producer Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald in California, as part of an effort to restart her stalled music career.

According to Rolling Stone, Kesha is still planning on pursuing an appeal in New York, where a judge previously dismissed her claims against Gottwald. Nonetheless, she is hoping that the end to her action in California will encourage Dr. Luke’s label (where she remains signed, against her wishes) to release her 28 new songs.

On Instagram, Kesha thanked her fans for their support and prayed to “one day feel that happiness again”.

My fight continues. I need to get my music out. I have so much to say. This lawsuit is so heavy on my once free spirit, and I can only pray to one day feel that happiness again. I am continuing to fight for my rights in New York. Thank you for all your support. The support of my fans has been so beautiful and I'm so grateful for it. I'm Not sure where I would be without you all.

A photo posted by Kesha (@iiswhoiis) on Aug 1, 2016 at 6:38pm PDT

Kesha initially sued Dr. Luke in 2014, alleging sexual assault, sexual harassment and gender violence on account of two incidents in which she claims she was drugged and raped while in California.

Dr. Luke then sued Kesha and her family for breach of contract and defamation in New York. Kesha countersued in New York, citing “gender-motivated hate crimes” and “gender-based employment discrimination”. (She had been trying to end her contract with Sony, whom she believes would force her to work for their reliable hit-maker – and her alleged abuser – Dr. Luke.)

The New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich ruled against Kesha, saying her allegations did not meet the legal standard for “hate crimes”.

The California ruling had been postponed until a decision was reached in New York. Now it seems, that doesn’t matter.

"Kesha has dismissed her California action without prejudice while she pursues her appeal and other legal claims in the New York courts," her counsel, Daniel Petrocelli, said in a statement.

"Kesha is focused on getting back to work and has delivered 28 new songs to the record label. We have conveyed to Sony and the label Kesha's strong desire to release her next album and single as soon as possible."

It is believed Kesha has been self-funding the recording of her new tracks, and they have been provided to Dr. Luke’s label, Kemosabe.

Dr. Luke’s lawyer, Christine Lepera, offered the following statement to Rolling Stone:

"If Kesha is voluntarily dismissing her claims in the California case, it is because she has no chance of winning them. Earlier this year, she lost her meritless counterclaims against Dr. Luke in the New York Action. Recently, the California Court invited Dr. Luke and the other defendants to move to dismiss Kesha's claims in that action. Kesha never should have brought her false and meritless claims against Dr. Luke in any court. Dr. Luke's defamation and other claims against Kesha are still proceeding."

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

Photo: ABC.