Sony Responds To #FreeKesha Campaign By Considering Dropping Dr. Luke

Trigger warning: This article discusses rape and sexual abuse.

Sony is reportedly planning on dropping Dr. Luke as a result of the intense public scrutiny that has followed Kesha’s lawsuit against the music company.

Though Dr. Luke – aka Lukasz Gottwald – has a contract with Sony Music until 2017, The Wrap reports Sony is looking into ending their partnership earlier.

A representative for Dr. Luke subsequently released a statement following the article's publication saying, “this is not true.”

A Sony Music spokesperson declined an opportunity to officially comment to The Wrap on the matter.

Last month, a judge ruled against Kesha in her suit against Sony. She had been seeking to end her contract with the organisation, citing alleged sexual abuse conducted by her producer Dr. Luke. (She claims he drugged and raped her when she was 18 years of age.)

Though Sony had offered another producer for Kesha to collaborate with, she expressed a fear that the company would only promote her music if she worked with Dr. Luke (a reliable hit-maker).

Countless artists sided with the singer, including Lady Gaga, Lorde, Demi Lovato and Adele. (Taylor Swift even donated $US250,000 for “any of [Kesha’s] financial needs during this trying time.”)

With many puzzled over Sony’s reluctance to tear up the contract, social media gave birth to the #FreeKesha campaign.

According to The Wrap, Sony Music is now concerned about the PR fallout from the ruling, with one individual reportedly familiar with upper management saying, “they can’t afford the Adeles of the world out in the streets calling the label unsupportive.”

There might be obstacles in the way of Sony dropping Dr. Luke, however.

Given that no court has convicted Gottwald for Kesha’s sexual abuse allegations, Sony Music may not have a legal basis to terminate his contract.

More news on this story as it develops.

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Photo: Instagram.