Lady Gaga among stars supporting Kesha in legal battle
NEW YORK -- Pop star Kesha lost a bid Friday to be freed from her contract with a top record producer she says drugged, sexually abused and psychologically tormented her.
Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich refused to grant a preliminary injunction sought by the singer, whose given name is Kesha Rose Sebert, which would have allowed her to end a record contract with Kemosabe Records, which is part of Sony Music.
Kesha alleges that 42-year-old songwriter/producer, Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald), drugged and raped her over a decade ago and consistently abused her both physically and emotionally. Dr. Luke has denied any wrongdoing.
Despite the legal setback, Kesha got some high-profile support on social media from Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Kelly Clarkson -- who has worked with Dr. Luke herself -- and others. For a time Friday, the hashtag #FreeKesha was trending nationwide.
There are people all over the world who love you @KeshaRose. And I can say truly I am in awe of your bravery.
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) February 19, 2016
My heart is with @KeshaRose. 💜
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) February 19, 2016
Trying 2 not say anything since I can't say anything nice about a person... so this is me not talking about Dr. Luke https://t.co/lLhtUHbmgG
— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) February 19, 2016
standing with @KeshaRose through this traumatic, deeply unfair time. send good vibes her way everyone
— Lorde (@lorde) February 19, 2016
Im not accusing anyone of anything, but i believe Kesha deserves the ability to move forward, create and earn a living.
— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) February 20, 2016
I send you love ❤️ @KeshaRose
— Sara Bareilles (@SaraBareilles) February 19, 2016
My thoughts are with @KeshaRose today. I'm sorry you've had to endure this experience.
— lily (@lilyallen) February 19, 2016
In response, Kesha tweeted her thanks to those who have supported her.
thank you for all the support in my legal case animals. i love all of you. it's meant the world to me. xoxo pic.twitter.com/arHNPSxFs8
— kesha (@KeshaRose) February 18, 2016
Friday's ruling wasn't the final word on the New York court fight between Kesha and her record label; related lawsuits are also pending in California and Tennessee.