Kesha Accuses Producer Dr. Luke Of Sexual And Emotional Abuse In Lawsuit, Dr. Luke Countersues

    The abuse began when she was just 18, the singer claims.

    Reggie Ugwu
    by Reggie Ugwu

    BuzzFeed News Reporter

    Michael Kovac / Getty Images for Banana Republic

    Kesha has sued super producer Dr. Luke, a longtime collaborator and founder of her record label Kemosabe Records, and accused him of sexual assault and battery, TMZ reports. The pop singer, 27, alleges Luke, born Lukasz Gottwald, 41, made her use drugs and forced himself on her sexually for years, beginning when he first signed her at age 18.

    On one occasion, according to the suit obtained by TMZ, Luke gave Kesha what he called "sober pills" after forcing her to drink with him. The next afternoon, Kesha claims she woke up naked in Luke's bed, sore and with no recollection of what transpired the night before. On another occasion, Luke allegedly physically attacked her at his house in Malibu by "violently thrashing is arms at her," causing Kesha to flee barefoot into the mountains.

    The suit also alleges that Luke verbally abused Kesha and repeatedly insulted her physical appearance, contributing to her struggle with an eating disorder.

    The allegations are likely to ripple widely in the world of pop music, where Luke is viewed as a production god endowed with the gifts of King Midas. Along with mentor and frequent collaborator Max Martin, he is inarguably one the most powerful and prolific producers in the industry, with a resumé that reads like a history of the modern Billboard Hot 100.

    For years, Luke has operated as a high-volume hit-factory for female pop stars like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Jessie J and Kelly Clarkson. With his record label, Kemosabe records, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment, he has helped launch the careers of Juicy J, Becky G and G.R.L., in addition to Kesha's.

    In a statement to TMZ, Kesha's attorney Mark Geragos said the following: "This lawsuit is a wholehearted effort by Kesha to regain control of her music career and her personal freedom after suffering for ten years as a victim of mental manipulation, emotional abuse and an instance of sexual assault at the hands of Dr. Luke."

    As a part of the suit, Kesha is reportedly seeking to be released from her recording contract with Luke.

    Representatives for Dr. Luke have not yet responded to requests for comment.

    Update — Oct. 14th, 2:52 p.m. ET:

    According to TMZ, Luke has responded to Kesha's allegations with a lawsuit of his own, claiming the singer is lying and tried to extort him. TMZ reports that Luke filed suit just hours after Kesha, claiming that she and her mother made up the abuse allegations against him in an attempt to get her out of her recording contract.

    Update — Oct. 14th, 3:11 p.m. ET:

    Read Kesha's lawsuit in its entirety below, care of Billboard.