Kesha on Dr. Luke Fight: This Was Never About My Contract

“It was never about getting a bigger or a better deal. This is about being free from my abuser,” singer writes in new Facebook statement

kesha

Pop star Kesha has released a new statement doubling down on her claims that Sony Music has not taken action to separate her from her former mentor Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, whom she has accused of sexually abusing her.

“This case has never been about a renegotiation of my record contract – it was never about getting a bigger, or a better deal. This is about being free from my abuser,” wrote the singer, whose real name is Kesha Rose Sebert, on Wednesday. “I would be willing to work with Sony if they do the right thing and break all ties that bind me to my abuser.”

In response, Gottwald’s attorney Christine Lepera said “tellingly, Kesha continues to evade the under oath sworn testimony of no abuse from her and her mother – and the video of their testimony speaks a thousand words.”

A representative for Sony Music did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment. Luke has vigorously defended himself and fully denied all allegations.

Sony Music maintains they have invited the “Tik Tok” singer to record and release new music free from Luke, who she contends mentally and sexually abused her over a 10-year period that began when he discovered her at age 18.

Read the full statement:

I’m so, so beyond humbled and thankful for all of the support I’ve received from everyone. Words cannot really express the emotions I’ve gone through reading and seeing how amazing everyone has been to me. I can’t believe that so many people all over the world took the time to show me support and love. Other entertainers who knowingly put their own careers at stake by supporting me, I will be forever grateful.

All I ever wanted was to be able to make music without being afraid, scared, or abused. This case has never been about a renegotiation of my record contract – it was never about getting a bigger, or a better deal. This is about being free from my abuser. I would be willing to work with Sony if they do the right thing and break all ties that bind me to my abuser.

But at this point, this issue is bigger than just about me.

I think about young girls today – I don’t want my future daughter – or your daughter – or any person to be afraid that they will be punished if they speak out about being abused, especially if their abuser is in a position of power.

Unfortunately I don’t think that my case is giving people who have been abused confidence that they can speak out, and that’s a problem.

But I just want to say that if you have been abused, please don’t be afraid to speak out. There are places that will make you feel safe. There are people who will help you. I for one, will stand beside you and behind you. I know now how this all feels and will forever fight for you the way perfect strangers have been fighting for me.

Yes, I am very much a feminist, but more than that, I am a humanist. I believe in supporting my fellow human beings in being SAFE.

We’re all in this together. You are not alone.

I'm so, so beyond humbled and thankful for all of the support I've received from everyone. Words cannot really express... Posted by Kesha on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

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