More than 23,000 members of UltraViolet, a national women’s advocacy organization, are calling on Sony Music executives to permanently cut ties with Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald and not renew their contract with Kemosabe Records this year.
In 2011, Dr. Luke and Kemosabe Records signed a five-year deal with Sony Music, which expires in 2016. The petition stems from the ongoing legal battle between Kesha and Dr. Luke. The pop singer has sought legal termination of her recording contract after accusing Gottwald of sexual, physical, verbal, and emotional abuse in an October 2014 complaint.
“A survivor should never be legally required to work for the man who raped her. But unfortunately that’s the reality for pop star Kesha, and Sony Music executives are the ones that are allowing this to happen,” explained Karin Roland, Chief Campaigns Officer for UltraViolet. “By continuing to force Kesha to work for Dr. Luke, Sony is sending a clear signal to music fans around the world – that they stand with rapists and against survivors.”
Gottwald has denied all allegations and has also launched a suit of his own accusing defamation.
Sony recently released a statement regarding the lawsuits. Speaking to The New York Times on behalf of the company, Scott Edelman said, “Sony has made it possible for Kesha to record without any connection, involvement, or interaction with Luke whatsoever, but Sony is not in a position to terminate the contractual relationship between Luke and Kesha.”
Roland believes more can be done about the matter. “Sony Music executives have the opportunity to send a clear signal to music fans and performing artists around the country that rape and sexual assault will never be tolerated,” she added. “Now is the time for Sony to stand with Kesha, and end their contract with Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records.”
