Kesha has filed a disturbing lawsuit against music producer Dr. Luke, claiming he was sexually, physically and verbally abusive during the decade-long period they have worked together — and that his behavior led to her eating disorders.
The singer was abused “to the point where [she] nearly lost her life,” the suit alleges.
“The facts presented in our lawsuit paint a picture of a man who is controlling and willing to commit horrible acts of abuse in an attempt to intimidate an impressionable, talented, young female artist into submission for his personal gain,” Kesha’s attorney, Mark Geragos, told Page Six in a statement. “Kesha is focused on moving her life and her career beyond this terrible time.”
Luke’s twisted behavior began almost immediately after she signed with him at 18, when he was nearly 15 years her senior. Drugs and alcohol played a role in his alleged advances.
In one incident described in Kesha’s suit, Luke (real name Lukasz Gottwald) “continuously” forced himself on Kesha after making her snort an illicit drug before boarding a plane with him. She also claims he force-fed her what he dubbed “sober pills” after the two had been drinking together. After taking them, Kesha woke up the next afternoon naked. The suit claims the “sober pills” were actually GHB, the date-rape drug.
TMZ first reported news of the suit.
Kesha, whose real name is Kesha Rose Sebert, is suing Luke claiming sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment and emotional distress, among other claims. She is seeking to have her contract voided with Luke, who has also worked with Miley Cyrus and Rihanna.