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Kesha’s fans trend #FreeKesha as Dr Luke’s $40M defamation lawsuit against singer gets 2023 trial date

New York judge has scheduled a July trial for Dr Luke’s defamation lawsuit against Kesha over her accusations of rape against the producer

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: The long legal battle over Dr Luke's $40 million defamation lawsuit against singer Kesha will finally go to trial on July 26, 2023. The first lawsuit was filed in 2014, and the legal battle between the duo has now lasted nearly eight years. In an order issued Monday, Judge Jennifer G Schecter said the trial will begin July 19 and conclude July 26.

The trial, originally scheduled to begin in February, was postponed until July because judgment had not yet been rendered in some cases. The legal feud between the two began when Luke, whose real name is Lukasz Gottwald, sued the singer over her "false and shocking" claim that he drugged and raped her after a 2005 party. Luke claimed that Kesha did the same as leverage to secure a more lucrative contract, Billboard.com reported

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This summer, however, Khesha alleged that Luke was trying to jeopardize the February trial date by rejecting attempts to shorten deadlines for arguments in October or November. According to Rolling Stone, “It would be a monumental waste of party and judicial resources to proceed to trial when there is a very real risk that a new trial immediately would be required, as would be the case if the Court of Appeals reverses as to any of the several questions currently before it," said Kesha’s lawyer Leah Godesky in August. 

To which Luke's lawyers, Christine Lepera and Jeffrey Movit, claimed that their client was “ready and willing” to begin a trial that he “looks forward to winning" and blamed the singer for delaying the case with “meritless appeals.” One of the serious appeals in the case is Kesha trying to reverse a ruling that stated Dr Luke is a private figure. Kesha needs to prove that Luke is a public figure since it can make a crucial distinction in a defamation case because the First Amendment makes it much harder for such figures to win a lawsuit. Another appeal of the singer is seeking to overturn a decision that found if she prevails in the case, she can’t get retroactive coverage of the legal fees. So, if Kesha wins, she can’t file a counterclaim against Dr Luke seeking coverage of her presumably expensive legal defense tab if he is not proven as a public figure. 

Earlier this year, there was blaming from both sides regarding the slow pace of legal procedures. Kesha’s attorneys argued that she had “done everything in her power to try to ensure that trial will begin as scheduled" but that Dr Luke had “obstructed her efforts at every turn.” However. Dr Luke's attorneys said that  “Kesha’s attorneys who have delayed the case for years by endlessly filing meritless appeals, which they have lost time and again.”

'I'll stand by her forever'

The Internet was quick to react upon the announcement of new trial date and saw the #FreeKesha trending across social media platforms. A user said, "My girl Kesha will be freed one day, I just know it. I'll stand by her forever. #FreeKesha." Another claimed, "My mother WILL prevail, this has been going on for almost a decade...She WILL get justice #FreeKesha." A tweet read, "Luke said Kesha ruined his life. Well, he ruined his own life. He’s been bullying, abusing people, WOMEN. Kesha was just one of the strong ones who’s had enough and made a move about it. He’s blaming his victims. How disgusting. #FreeKesha."

A user claimed, "#freekesha Kesha has been going through this for over SEVENTEEN YEARS." A tweet read, "you know he’s an abuser because 10 years later he still hasn’t released her from her recording contract #freekesha." Another tweet read, "This is the new normal, abusers dragging their victims through the court system in furtherance of their abuse. While a baying crowd of shameless idiots cheer them on and consume it as entertainment. #FreeKesha." "Dr. Luke is suing Kesha for $ 40 million in libel, she needs our support now more than ever! Kesha is still contractually signed with Dr. Luke! #FreeKesha Women's rights matter!," wrote another.

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