Evidence

Lady Gaga and Katy Perry Named in Kesha’s Battle Against Dr. Luke

A text message that Kesha sent Lady Gaga has now reportedly made its way into the case.
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By Kristy Sparow, Jamie McCarthy, Kevin Winter, all from Getty Images.

There is now new evidence in the case between Kesha and Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, E! News reports. According to documents the outlet obtained from a December 26 hearing, the judge has received and sealed a text message Kesha sent to fellow chart-topper Lady Gaga in April 2016 that Gottwald can now show to Gaga, and, reportedly, to Katy Perry. Perry’s involvement in these messages is not yet clear.

“Gottwald may share with Lady Gaga and Katy Perry the April 2016 text that Kesha sent to Lady Gaga, which Kesha turned over in discovery,” the documents state, per E!. The contents of the message were not revealed, and it’s up to Kesha and Dr. Luke’s attorneys to determine if it will actually be used in court.

Gaga has been one of several fellow artists to show support for Kesha, tweeting out words of kindness last February. In a March 2016 interview with Carson Daly on 97.1 AMP Radio, the singer, who has been open about her own assault and subsequent PTSD, again shared public words of encouragement for her friend:

“I feel like she's being very publicly shamed for something that happens in the music industry all the time, to women and men,” she said. “I just want to stand by her side because I can't watch another woman that went through what I've been through suffer.”

In August, Kesha dismissed her case and charges of sexual, emotional, and physical assault against the music producer in California but continues to pursue charges against him in the state of New York. At the time, Kesha spoke out about her legal challenges, saying in an Instagram post, “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.”

Sony confirmed in October that the singer has written new music that fans will soon be able to hear, despite roadblocks reportedly caused by her current contract with Gottwald and Kemosabe Records.

Vanity Fair has reached out to representatives for Dr. Luke, Kesha, Gaga, and Perry for comment.