| Advertisement |
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Kesha has announced she is dropping her sexual assault lawsuit against Dr. Luke in California in an effort to refocus on New York and to potentially release new music. "Kesha has dismissed her California action without prejudice while she pursues her appeal and other legal claims in the New York courts," Kesha's attorney Daniel M. Petrocelli said Monday in a statement to People magazine.
Advertisement
"Kesha is focused on getting back to work and has delivered 28 new songs to the record label. We have conveyed to Sony Music and the label Kesha's strong desire to release her next album and single as soon as possible," he continued, referencing how Kesha is eager to release new music following her 2012 release Warrior.
The 29-year-old herself took to social media in order to further elaborate on her reasoning to just focus on her New York lawsuit. "My fight continues. I need to get my music out. I have so much to say. This is lawsuit is so heavy on my once free spirit, and I can only pray to one day feel that happiness again," she wrote on Instagram Monday alongside a close-up photo of her face.
"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," she concluded.
Dr. Luke's attorney Christine Lepera responded back in a statement to People magazine writing, "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 should never 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," the statement continued.
In April, New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich threw out a majority of Kesha's counterclaims against Dr. Luke, real name Lukasz Gottwald in their ongoing lawsuit citing a failure to present facts proving Dr. Luke's alleged actions were discriminatory based on gender.
Kornreich originally denied Kesha's injunction against Dr. Luke keeping her contractually bound to the producer amid allegations that he sexually, physically and verbally abused her. Dr. Luke has denied any wrongdoing in the matter and has sued Kesha for defamation and breach of contract.
Kesha is planning on focusing on an appeal under New York jurisdiction as the pop star seeks a second opinion so that she may record new music under a different label away from Dr. Luke and his Kemosabe Records imprint owned by Sony Music.
Recently, Kesha announced that is set to hit the road again as part of a new summer tour stating "I thrive from making and performing music."
