Music

Sony Might Be Dropping Dr Luke Over #FreeKesha And Twitter Is In All-Out Party Mode

His lawyer isn't so excited by the news.

by Meg Watson  10 March 2016

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This post discusses sexual assault.

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A report released by The Wrap overnight claims to have information from “knowledgeable individuals” that Sony’s well and truly ready to put Kesha’s producer Dr Luke in the bin. Though they’ve stuck by him for two years of allegations he sexually, physically and emotionally abused the singer, this decision reportedly comes due to the “public relations headache” the #FreeKesha movement has brought in the past few weeks.

“Kesha has no case in regards to [getting out of] her contract, but Sony can’t afford the Adeles of the world out in the streets calling the label unsupportive,” an “individual familiar with upper management’s thinking” told The Wrap. “The fact that this hasn’t already been taken care of with Luke is confusing, especially for people in the building.”

As he has been “convicted via Twitter” rather than the court, there’s reportedly no legal basis to end his contract (which is due to expire in 2017). Rumours instead indicate an exit would be “negotiated” — read: paid — with the producer. This is good enough for Twitter itself, which is currently throwing an elaborate virtual gif parade under the hashtag #SonyIsDroppingDrLukeParty:

Unfortunately it’s not as simple as it sounds. Though Sony are yet to respond to any media outlets’ request for comment, Dr Luke’s legal rep has been in touch with The Wrap to deny everything.

“This is not true,” they said. “Luke has an excellent relationship with Sony. His representatives are in regular contact with executives at the highest levels at Sony and this has never come up.”

From here, it’s clear one of a few things is true. The Wrap could have dodgy sources meaning this whole thing’s blown up over nothing, Dr Luke may have not yet known about Sony’s plan, or the statement could be some kind of tactical move to put pressure on the company to keep him. Dumping him is, after all, a very big deal. Dr Luke is tied for third as the most chart-topping producer of all time. He has just a handful of number-one singles fewer than “the fifth Beatle” George Martin who passed away yesterday after five incredible decades in the industry.

With all this in mind, Kesha’s big-name supporters are taking the opportunity to put increased pressure on the label. This morning, Lady Gaga tweeted The Wrap’s news story to her 56.8 million followers asking Sony to “do the right thing”.

Importantly, due to the nature of the contract Kesha has with the producer, a dismissal from Sony may not actually even free her of her recording duties with him. The deal is in fact negotiated between three parties including herself, Sony, and Dr Luke’s separate company Kasz Money. It’s all very complicated. But, with the world’s biggest stars and millions of boycotting fans making passionate arguments against him and turning the case into a symbol of the systemic injustices victims of sexual assault continue to face around the world, dropping him definitely isn’t a bad idea either.

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If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.