The abuse began when she was just 18, the singer claims.
Kesha has sued super producer Dr. Luke, a longtime collaborator and founder of her record label Kemosabe Records, for sexual assault and battery, TMZ reports. The pop singer, 27, alleges Luke, born Lukasz Gottwald, 41, made her use drugs and forced himself on her sexually for years, beginning when he first signed her at age 18.
On one occasion, according to the suit obtained by TMZ, Luke gave Kesha what he called "sober pills" after forcing her to drink with him. The next afternoon, Kesha claims she woke up naked in Luke's bed, sore and with no recollection of what transpired the night before. The suit also alleges that Luke verbally abused Kesha and repeatedly insulted her physical appearance, contributing to her struggle with an eating disorder.
The allegations are likely to ripple widely in the world of pop music, where Luke is viewed as a god endowed with the gifts of King Midas. Along with mentor and frequent collaborator Max Martin, he is inarguably one the most powerful and prolific producers in the industry, with a resumé that reads like a history of the modern Billboard Hot 100. For years, Luke has operated as a high-volume hit-factory for female pop stars like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Jessie J and Kelly Clarkson. With his record label, Kemosabe records, he has helped launch the careers of Juicy J, Becky G and G.R.L.
In a statement to TMZ, Kesha's attorney Mark Geragos said the following. ""This lawsuit is a wholehearted effort by Kesha to regain control of her music career and her personal freedom after suffering for ten years as a victim of mental manipulation, emotional abuse and an instance of sexual assault at the hands of Dr. Luke."
Representatives of Dr. Luke have not yet responded to a request for comment.
Michael Kovac / Getty Images for Banana Republic
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