Sony Music may have its hands tied when it comes to Kesha’s contract with Dr. Luke, but it appears they’re prepared to do the one thing it can do: sever its ties with Dr. Luke.
The Wrap is reporting that “knowledgeable individuals” say that Sony Music will end its working relationship with Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald with a year remaining on his contract with the label group. The label has been taking a beating in the press, as more and more artists come out in support of Kesha as she deals with the fallout since coming forward with accusations of her sexual abuse at the hands of Gottwald. Because both Sony and Kesha’s contracts are with Gottwald’s companies (Kemosabe Records, Kasz Money Publishing, and Prescription Songs) rather than each other, the label is legally unable to release Kesha from her contract.
It’s unclear how Sony would go about dissolving the contract, but whether its through a buyout clause, early termination fee, or negotiated settlement, you can be sure that Gottwald will get paid.
UPDATE: In a statement to Entertainment Weekly Dr. Luke’s attorney denies the report: “This is not true. 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.”
We’ll see what happens.