Kesha Explains Dropping California Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Dr. Luke
— -- Kesha has dropped a lawsuit against producer Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald in California, while a similar case alleging abuse continues in New York.
"Kesha has dismissed her California action without prejudice while she pursues her appeal and other legal claims in the New York courts," the "Die Young" singer's lawyer, Daniel Petrocelli, wrote in a statement obtained by ABC News. "Kesha is focused on getting back to work and has delivered 28 new songs to the record label. We have conveyed to Sony and the label Kesha's strong desire to release her next album and single as soon as possible."
Kesha also wrote about her decision to drop the California suit on Facebook.
"My fight continues. I need to get my music out. I have so much to say. This lawsuit is so heavy on my once free spirit, and I can only pray to one day feel that happiness again. I am continuing to fight for my rights in New York. Thank you for all your support. The support of my fans has been so beautiful and I'm so grateful for it. I'm Not sure where I would be without you all," she wrote on Monday night.
However, in another statement obtained by ABC News, Dr. Luke's attorney, Christine Lepera, said, "If Kesha is voluntarily dismissing her claims in the California case, it is because she has no chance of winning them."
"Kesha never should have brought her false and meritless claims against Dr. Luke in any court. Dr. Luke's defamation and other claims against Kesha are still proceeding," she added.
In 2014, Kesha, 29, accused Dr. Luke of being physically, emotionally and sexually abusive toward her and, as a result, sought to be released from her contract with Sony.
Earlier this year, New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich ruled that Kesha will remain under contract with Dr. Luke's Kemosabe Records, under Sony. Kornreich added that Kesha does not have to directly work with Dr. Luke; she can work with another producer.
She's currently appealing the rulings in New York, which prevent her from breaking the contract with Kemosabe.
In February, Luke took to social media to voice his opinion in the matter. The producer, who is suing Kesha for defamation in New York, has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
"Kesha and I were friends for many years and she was like my little sister," he tweeted. "Kesha and I made a lot of songs together and it was often good but there were creative differences at times. It's sad that she would turn a contract negotiation into something so horrendous and untrue."
