It’s about damn time: According to TheWrap, Sony is currently trying to figure out how to terminate their contract (which had a 2017 expiration date) with Dr. Luke, the producer Kesha alleges drugged and raped her. Dr. Luke’s lawyer later refuted these claims, saying, “Luke has an excellent relationship with Sony.”
While it would be great if she didn’t have to work with him anymore, Sony is no doubt trying to end their relationship due to the incredibly bad publicity Dr. Luke (who denies all claims) has brought them—not out of support for Kesha’s accusations. But between the #FreeKesha movement on social media, fellow celebrities’ statements (including Adele, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and many more), and Kelly Clarkson’s recent claims that her label blackmailed her into working with Dr. Luke, it would hurt Sony to continue supporting him. Vigilante justice, y’all—sometimes it works!
Sony hasn’t confirmed that they’re cutting ties with Dr. Luke, or explained when/how they would plan to end his contract. But if it happens, besides being a huge personal win for Kesha, this would also symbolize a shift in the way sexual assault is handled in the music industry. This would mean that even when the legal justice system fails a victim as massively as it did Kesha (who is, granted, a very high profile victim), one hashtag can bring such bad publicity to an industry titan like Sony that they have to reconsider contracts to avoid losing credibility (and money).