Kesha’s Billboard Awards Performance Is Back On

Kesha was originally set to perform this Sunday at the Billboard Music Awards, but the performance was cancelled following a dispute with her label, Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records. Kesha had previously received permission from the label to perform, but the label changed its mind following reports that she would make “direct references” to her legal battle with Dr. Luke. However, the performance is back on, as Kemosabe has once again given its approval. As the label wrote in a statement, the approval was contingent on “assurances” that Kesha won’t use the performance as “a platform to discuss the litigation.” Find the statement below.

Kesha’s performance on the Billboard Music Awards was always approved, in good faith. Approval was only suspended when Kemosabe learned Kesha was to use the performance as a platform to discuss the litigation. Now that Kemosabe has obtained assurances, that it is relying upon, from Kesha, her representatives and Dick Clark Productions that neither Kesha nor her supporters will use the performance as such a platform, the approval has been restored.

Kesha’s California lawsuit accusing Dr. Luke of rape and abuse has been stayed pending the outcome of Dr. Luke’s lawsuit in New York accusing Kesha of defamation. A New York judge recently dismissed Kesha’s countersuit alleging emotional distress, employment discrimination, and gender-based hate crimes. In February, the judge also denied Kesha’s request to record legally for labels other than Dr. Luke’s Sony imprint Kemosabe Records; Kesha has appealed that ruling.

Last month, Kesha unveiled her Zedd collaboration “True Colors,” which was her first official release since Pitbull’s Dr. Luke-produced 2013 song “Timber.” Zedd clarified via Twitter that “Kemosabe/RCA gave us permission to release this song.” Kesha recently performed Lady Gaga’s “Til It Happens to You,” which she dedicated “to every man, woman, child, and animal that has ever been abused.” Last night, she and Ben Folds covered Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me.” Folds was rumored to be accompanying Kesha at the Billboard performance, which may still happen now that it’s back on.

Read “Are Kesha’s Lawyers Playing to the Public More Than the Courts?” and “Why Kesha Lost Her Court Battle, But Not Necessarily the War” on the Pitch. 

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