Dr. Luke has responded to Kelly Clarkson’s comments about working with him, but the embattled producer might have more things to worry about. Sony Music is reportedly planning on severing ties with him over his clash with Kesha.
In a radio interview in Australia over the weekend, Clarkson said that she was “blackmailed” by her record label to work with him. She called him “difficult to work with, kind of demeaning” and “not a good guy.”
Digital Spy contacted Dr. Luke’s rep, who only responded by sending them excerpts of Clive Davis’ 2013 memoir. The excerpts outline how Dr. Luke, whose real name is Lukasz Gottwald, worked with producer Max Martin and Clarkson to record “Since U Been Gone” and “Behind These Hazel Eyes.” Although Davis called Martin and Dr. Luke “relentless” in their pursuit of getting the right performance, Clarkson did make a great recording.
“Kelly didn't like it. Max and Luke were relentless in getting the right performance of their song,” Davis wrote. “Kelly got her back up, and from her perspective, she had a horrible experience in the studio. She'd never work with them again, she said. Then, after all the work was done, I listened to the performances. They were terrific. “
Clarkson went to Twitter to say that the people she now works with at RCA Records were not the same who forced her to work with Dr. Luke.
Meanwhile, TheWrap is reporting this afternoon that Sony is going to drop Dr. Luke a year before his contract expires.
The producer has been a controversial figure since Kesha sued him, claiming that he drugged and raped the singer, and he has denied the claims. His attorney said that Kesha can record with whoever she wants, but Kesha sought to get out of her contract with him and Sony. Dr. Luke has never been charged with a crime.
UPDATE: Although Sony has not confirmed TheWrap's report, women's rights group UltraViolet has already praised the move. Shaunna Thomas, co-founder of UltraViolet, said:
"Today’s decision by Sony Music to stand with Kesha and survivors of sexual assault is a huge victory that sends a clear signal throughout the music industry that rape and sexual violence will not be tolerated. By dissolving ties to Kemosabe Records, Sony Music Entertainment also dissolves Kesha’s relationship with Dr. Luke - leaving her free to make music without having to work with the man who abused and assaulted her. Music fans, recording artists and UltraViolet members praise this tremendous decision and look forward to hearing Kesha’s latest hits knowing that she can record them without being under the thumb of her abuser.”