Accused of sexual assault and emotional abuse by Kesha in 2014, Dr. Luke won the Pop Music Songwriter of the Year award at the 2023 ASCAP Pop Music Awards on Thursday (5.18.)
The third time the songwriter/producer, born Lukasz Sebastian Gottwald, has taken home the award, this year’s win followed massive streaming numbers for his songs like Latto‘s “Big Energy,” Nicki Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl,” and Doja Cat’s “Need to Know,” “Woman,” and “You Right.”
In an ironic twist, Kesha — who first sued Luke in 2014 – alleging an extended period of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and attempting to extricate herself from her contract – released her new album Gag Order on Friday (5.19.) The content of her LP addresses her anger related to the alleged experiences and ongoing legal battle with Luke. A judge dismissed Kesha’s claims in 2016, largely on the grounds that they were too old, but Luke’s defamation suit continues to this day, despite several appeals. That case is set to go to trial this summer.
In a recent interview, Kesha told Rolling Stone “I feel as if there has been an implied gag order for a very long time now.” “With my ongoing litigation hanging over my head, I have not been able to speak freely because I know everything I say is scrutinized.”
On her song “Fine Line,” Kesha sings, “all the doctors and lawyers [who] cut the tongue out of my mouth.” “But hey, look at all the money we made off me.”
Despite Kesha’s allegations and the producer’s 2021 claim that he lost $46 million due to the dispute, Luke has continued to produce music with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Kim Petras and Minaj on “Alone,” Lu Kala and Latto on “Lottery,” Saucy Santana on “1-800-Bad-Bitch,” and Lil Durk and J. Cole’s “All MY Life” just in 2023.
Other musicians who’ve sought Luke’s talents – including Saweetie and Doja Cat – have not commented about his involvement in their work. When Rolling Stone asked Doja Cat about working with the producer during a cover story interview, she claimed, “There’s shit that he’s credited for, where I’m like, ‘Hmm, I don’t know, I don’t know if you did anything on that.’” She later retracted the comment in a statement, writing, “The credits on my music are accurate, and I don’t want to imply anything else.”
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Charles Lee