UltraViolet on Sony Music Firing Dr. Luke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Moments ago, Sony Music announced the termination of its relationship with alleged sexual abuser Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald) of Kemosabe Records, stating, ”He’s no longer the CEO of Kemosabe Records and the company asserts he no longer has authority to act on its behalf.”
In 2014, pop singer Kesha came forward to accuse Dr. Luke sexual assault. After the allegations were made public, hundreds of thousands signed petitions, joined protests, and advocated for Sony Music to “Free Kesha” from her relationship with her alleged abuser.
In response, Karin Roland, chief campaigns officer for UltraViolet, a leading women’s advocacy organization, released the following statement:
“Today’s decision by Sony Music to fire Dr. Luke is a huge victory for the tens of thousands of music fans, recording artists and survivors of sexual assault who have long asked the company to break ties with Kesha’s abuser. By finally taking action against Dr. Luke, Sony taking an important first step in signalling that rape and sexual violence are bad for business and will not be tolerated in the music industry.
“Sony Music’s decision, which removes Dr. Luke from his position as CEO of Kemosabe Records, will finally allow Kesha to make music without being forced to work with the man who abused and assaulted her.