Celebrity
Pop Star Kesha And Producer Dr. Luke Settle Legal Battle Over Rape
NEW YORK – Kesha and producer Dr. Luke announced Thursday that they have settled nearly a decade of suits and countersuits over her allegation that he drugged and raped her and his claim that she made it up and defamed him, with the singer adding that “only God knows what happened that night.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Luke stated he was “certain that nothing happened.” I never abused her or drugged her.”
The terms of the agreement were not immediately released, but both she and he revealed on Instagram that they had agreed to “a resolution” of the issue and to each of them issuing a statement. Messages were made to their solicitors seeking comment.
“I cannot recount everything that happened,” Kesha said, adding that she wishes “nothing but peace to all parties involved.”
Dr. Luke, on his part, wished her well and expressed his desire “to put this difficult matter behind me” after years of working to clear his name.
The agreement averts a trial slated this summer over charges that created a #MeToo movement for Kesha’s supporters and involved several music industry celebrities. Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Pink, Avril Lavigne, Adam Levine, and Taio Cruz were among the individuals who testified or provided sworn statements concerning the lawsuit.
At the same time, the case posed significant legal issues concerning fame and defamation. The stakes were high enough that media outlets expressed concern over pretrial judgments that they feared could aid powerful people in suppressing unfavorable reporting.
The legal dispute between the multiplatinum-selling singer and the Grammy-nominated producer has been ongoing since 2014, threatening their careers.
Kesha and producer Dr. Luke announced Thursday that they have settled nearly a decade of suits and countersuits over her allegation.
Beginning with 2009’s “TiK ToK,” the singer — once known as Ke$ha — built her reputation with swaggering, just-try-to-stop-me party anthems. Dr. Luke, who formed the record label that signed a Nashville unknown named Kesha Rose Sebert at 18, produced those early singles.
He was born Lukasz Gottwald and has produced hit songs for Katy Perry, Avril Lavigne, Flo Rida, and others. Dr. Luke has received many Grammy nominations and pop Songwriter of the Year accolades from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.
Kesha filed a lawsuit against him in 2014, alleging that he drugged and raped her nine years prior and psychologically abused her throughout their working relationship. He chastised her about her weight, demeaned her voice, and wielded undue authority over her career.
“The abuse I suffered from Luke was a decade long, every day, every moment of every day,” she testified under oath in 2017. According to Kesha, the event triggered an eating problem flare-up, which resulted in her spending two months in a rehabilitation clinic in 2014.
Dr. Luke, who has been cleared of all charges, replied by suing Kesha. He claims she concocted “untrue and deeply hurtful” statements to smear him and get out of her record contract.
“Any reasonable person will not believe her,” he declared under oath in 2017.
Kesha and producer Dr. Luke announced Thursday that they have settled nearly a decade of suits and countersuits over her allegation.
His attorneys have stated that Kesha herself stated in a separate case in 2011 that he “never made sexual advances at me” during sworn questioning. She has now stated that her 2011 statements were “not entirely transparent” because she feared Dr. Luke and felt compelled to defend him.
During the stalemate, Kesha went five years without making an album, claiming she couldn’t work with a “monster” but couldn’t get away from him because she was under contract with his label. His and the label’s lawyers both contended that she was not required to work with him.
She eventually returned in 2017 with “Rainbow” and two additional albums, all produced by different people. “Gag Order,” her most recent album, was released in May.
Dr. Luke’s career suffered as a result of her charges becoming public. He has stated that numerous artists, particularly female artists, have avoided “working with someone who’s called a rapist.”
But, as Tyson Trax, he returned to the top of the charts in 2020 with Doja Cat’s “Say So,” earning his first Grammy nomination since 2014. He was named ASCAP’s pop songwriter of the Year again this year.
Kesha and producer Dr. Luke announced Thursday that they had settled nearly a decade of suits and countersuits over her allegation.
Kesha’s sexual abuse-related claims were dropped along the way due to time constraints and other legal concerns, with no findings on the merits of the allegations. However, she countersued Dr. Luke under a New York law prohibiting the filing of frivolous lawsuits to frighten critics into silence; New York’s highest court just determined that she could pursue those allegations.
The top court, the Court of Appeals in New York, also ruled that Dr. Luke is a “public figure” under the law. This is significant because the legal requirements for proving defamation are more stringent for prominent personalities than ordinary citizens.
Earlier courts ruled that the producer was not a public figure. Over a dozen media sources and organizations intervened in the case, arguing that previous judgments could assist renowned persons in suppressing free speech and reporting on sexual abuse charges.
Kesha was previously forced to pay Dr. Luke more than $373,000 in interest on royalties she owed him for years.
SOURCE – (AP)
Celebrity
2024| Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Washington – Pras, On Friday, a court denied a request for a fresh trial in a multimillion-dollar political conspiracy lawsuit against Fugees rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly determined that his defensedefense attorney’s employment of a generative AI software during closing arguments and other errors made throughout the Washington, D.C. trial did not constitute a substantial miscarriage of justice.
Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Michel was found guilty of ten counts after a jury heard testimony from witnesses, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former US Attorney General Jeff Sessions. On the most serious charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison. He is free until sentencing, which has yet to be decided.
The Grammy-winning rapper was accused of funneling money from a now-fugitive Malaysian financier through straw donors to Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, then attempting to deter a Justice Department investigation and influence an extradition case on behalf of China during the Trump administration.
The defense said Michel received lousy advice as he attempted to support himself while recreating himself in politics.
His defense attorney, David Kenner, who has previously represented rappers like Suge Knight and Snoop Dogg, pleaded guilty to leaking grand jury evidence to reporters.
Michel hired a new lawyer, who claimed Kenner had made several errors, including deploying an “experimental” generative AI software that botched closing arguments by misattributing a lyric from his client’s influential 1990s group.
Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Michel, however, failed to prove that Kenner’s handling of the case influenced the jury, according to Judge Kollar-Kotelly.
She accepted that some of Michel’s faults were valid, but they did not neutralise the prosecution’s extensive evidence against him or render the nearly month-long trial unfair.
Michel’s representative had no immediate comment on the ruling.
SOURCE | AP
Celebrity
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
Julian Ortega, a Spanish actor best known for his role in the popular Spanish-language Netflix drama series “Elite,” has died, according to the country’s actor and actress union. He was 41.
“Our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the union said in a statement Monday.
The sun
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
Ortega, the son of Spanish actress Gloria Muñoz, was born in Madrid in 1983. According to the organization, he attended acting school in the Spanish capital.
He began his career in Spanish-language films, including the 2000 drama “El Otro Barrio” (“The Other Side”) and the 2008 horror fantasy “La raíz del mal.”
He appeared in various Spanish television programs before becoming well-known internationally after appearing in six episodes of Netflix’s Elite.
Ortega played a restaurant manager in the murder-mystery-infused high school thriller, which follows privileged pupils at a prestigious school.
His most recent performances were in drama programs like “The Countryside” (formerly called “El Pueblo”) and “4 estrellas.”
“You were a great man; humble, always smiling, generous, and thoughtful…” I have a great colleague. “Thank you for everything,” wrote his “Countryside” co-star Ruth Diaz in an Instagram post.
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
According to the Spanish Theatre in Madrid, Ortega has worked on theatre ventures, including the 2021 play “Ira,” which he created and co-starred in with his mother.
The reason for the death has not been officially confirmed.
SOURCE | AP
Celebrity
Selena Gomez Reacts To Taylor Swift Cameo Rumors in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ S4
Selena Gomez has recently put a fun twist on rumors swirling about a potential cameo by Taylor Swift in the fourth season of Only Murders in the Building. In an interview with E! News, Gomez responded to the speculation with her signature humor and charm.
Laughing off the rumors, Gomez quipped, “You’re hilarious. She’s a little busy, you guys.”
Her playful tone continued as she added, “Oh dear, I love that,” while still chuckling. Gomez’s light-hearted response showcased her easy-going nature and her ability to handle fan speculation with grace.
Gomez’s co-stars, Steve Martin and Martin Short, also joined in on the playful banter. Martin, in a comedic twist, said, “Listen, she calls us every day. Here – she’s calling right now. Ahh I’ll take it later.”
‘Only Murders in the Building’ S4
Martin Short added to the jest, joking, “No, I was talking to Taylor around 3:00 a.m.” Their jokes highlighted the camaraderie and fun atmosphere among the cast.
Beyond the jokes, Martin took a moment to genuinely praise both Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez for their poise.
He commented, “Taylor Swift handles everything perfectly and so does Selena. In the situations I’ve seen—politically, trolls, everything—she just seems to have a wisdom about how to do something quietly, effortlessly.”
The interaction underscores not only the strong bond between the cast members but also their mutual respect and admiration for each other.
Gomez and Swift’s friendship, along with their shared ability to navigate public life with elegance, continues to be a topic of interest and admiration among fans and colleagues alike.
-
Business4 weeks ago
Are You A Cash App User? You May Be Eligible For A Piece Of This $15 Million Settlement
-
Celebrity4 weeks ago
Liza Minnelli Is ‘Mad As Hell’ And Writing New Memoir
-
Business4 weeks ago
Susan Wojcicki, Former YouTube CEO And Longtime Google Executive, Has Died At 56
-
News4 weeks ago
Travis Scott Is Arrested At A Paris Hotel After Altercation With A Security Guard, Prosecutors Say
-
Entertainment4 weeks ago
Samsung Is Recalling 1 Million Stoves To Prevent Pets From Setting Your Home On Fire
-
Sports4 weeks ago
Lydia Ko Finally Gets Her Olympic Gold. It Puts Her Into The LPGA Hall Of Fame