Dr Luke Blocks Kesha Billboard Music Awards Performance

Producer Dr. Luke and his Sony Music imprint Kemosabe Records are putting the kibosh on a planned performance by Kesha, TheWrap has learned.

The singer was set to appear on the Billboard Music Awards airing May 22, and had written approval from the label to do so — until it was reported that she planned to reference her ongoing contract struggle and egregious sexual abuse claims against Luke in her live performance, according to show helmers Dick Clark Productions.

“Kesha accepted an invitation to perform on the show and she received written approval from Dr. Luke’s record label, Kemosabe Records. Kemosabe subsequently rescinded its approval following a media report on Wednesday, May 11, regarding Kesha’s appearance on the BBMAs,” a rep for Billboard Awards producer Dick Clark Productions told TheWrap.

Also Read: Emotional Kesha Covers Lady Gaga's Sexual Assault Ballad 'Til It Happens To You' (Video)

“Unfortunately, Kesha and Kemosabe have since been unable to come to an agreement for Kesha to perform on the show. Dick Clark Productions has a long standing relationship with Kesha. We hope that the parties can come to an arrangement such that we can continue that long standing relationship with a performance by Kesha on the Billboard Music Awards stage on May 22,” the statement concluded.

Reps for Dr. Luke, real name Lukasz Gottwald, did not immediately return TheWrap’s request for comment.

The May 11 report was from TMZ, one that cited a source saying “she’s planning to make direct references to her ongoing legal battle with Dr. Luke … and might even include images of him.”

Also Read: Kesha Teases Fans With Art for New Single

The hitmaker and his former mentor have been engaged in a contentious legal battle since October 2014. The pop star maintains that Gottwald, who discovered her at 17, inflicted years of verbal and sexual abuse. Their legal struggle has exclusively been playing out as a contract dispute — one she is increasingly losing.

Kesha’s legion fans have been encouraged of late by a string of appearances — most memorably at April’s Coachella Valley Music Festival, followed by a Los Angeles benefit where she belted Lady Gaga‘s rape survival anthem “Til It Happens To You.”

Kesha vs. Dr. Luke: 20 Stars Who Have Taken Her Side (Photos)

Taylor Swift
On Monday, Swift donated $250,000 "to help [Kesha] with any of her financial needs during this trying time," said her rep.
Getty Images
Kelly Clarkson
Clarkson tweeted, "Trying 2 not say anything since I can't say anything nice about a person... so this is me not talking about Dr. Luke," on Friday in support of Kesha's legal battle. Dr. Luke produced Clarkson's "Since You Been Gone" in 2004.
Getty Images
Ariana Grande
The singer tweeted, "My heart is with @KeshaRose." Buzzfeed also revealed that Grande deleted a 6-year-old tweet where she revealed her love for "that man." A fan had tweeted at Grande, saying "you need to delete this fast," and Grande complied.

Getty Images
Lady Gaga
Gaga, who recently revealed that she herself was raped at 19, tweeted, "There are people all over the world who love you @KeshaRose. And I can say truly I am in awe of your bravery."
Getty Images
Demi Lovato
Lovato tweeted her support as well. She posted a series of tweets about female empowerment, one of which read, "Frustrating to see women come forward with their past only to be shot down, not believed & disrespected for their bravery in taking action."
Getty Images
Sara Bareilles
The singer tweeted, "I send you love @KeshaRose" on Friday.
Getty Images
Lorde
The New Zealand singer also took to Twitter to show her support, tweeting, "standing with @KeshaRose through this traumatic, deeply unfair time. send good vibes her way everyone."
Getty Images
Annalynne McCord
The "90210" actress posted a video to Twitter, revealing her support and outrage over the situation.
Getty Images
HAIM
Using the hashtag #FreeKesha, the HAIM sisters tweeted, "We love you and support you @kesharose you are the strongest, most brave friend we have and we stand by you forever. #freekesha"
Lily Allen
On Friday, the British singer tweeted, "My thoughts are with @KeshaRose today. I'm sorry you've had to endure this experience."
Getty Images
Halsey
The singer, whose real name is Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, tweeted Friday, "Disgusted by anyone in power positions abusing their authority. My heart breaks for Kesha and all people affected by this toxicity. Fuck."
Getty Images
Madison Beer
The singer posted a number of tweets in which she showed her support to Kesha. When a fan said to her that Kesha's name trending on Twitter won't do anything to help, Beer responded, "but at least it might be putting a smile on her face & that's what she needs. to know she has support & love. "
Getty Images
Iggy Azalea
Azalea posted a series of tweets on Saturday, one of which read, "Im not accusing anyone of anything, but I believe Kesha deserves the ability to move forward, create and earn a living."
Getty Images
JoJo
The singer posted a picture of Kesha crying in court with the caption, "these pictures truly broke my heart today."
Getty Images
Lilly Singh
The YouTube star took to Twitter to show her support for Kesha and also to urge women to come together and not to "start pointing at other women." "This has really affected my day... @KeshaRose I will effing ride with you girl. Stay strong. Sincerely, your sisters x."
Getty Images
Margaret Cho
The actress has been retweeting articles as well as tweets from Kesha's mom, and thanked fans for supporting Kesha in her legal battle.
Getty Images
Bea Miller
Miller also posted multiple tweets in which the singer express her "disgust" about the situation, and urged her followers to scroll through the hashtag to get informed.
Getty Images
Alessia Cara
The Canadian singer took to Twitter to post, "no one should be denied freedom from their abuser, nor freedom of their creativity."
Getty Images
Aly and AJ Michalka
The sisters tweeted, "You should be released from your contract and free to begin your recovery from this. God Bless You @KeshaRose #FreeKesha."
Getty Images
Mariska Hargitay
The actress tweeted her support: "For many survivors, speaking out is the hardest part. It’s also only the first step. Sending u strength @KeshaRose as u move through this."