Entertainment trade The Wrap says Sony Music is expected to end its contractual relationship with Dr. Luke.
Since the contract does not end until next year, the severance may require a negotiated settlement. Details on the legalities and terms were not available at press time.
News of the anticipated split comes as the legal dispute with Kesha continues wreaking havoc from a public relations standpoint.
While Kesha, who seeks to exit Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records imprint amid allegations of sexual and emotional abuse, was unsuccessful in a recent motion for a preliminary injunction, she received an outpouring of support from some of the biggest names in music and entertainment.
“Kesha has no case in regards to her contract but they can’t afford the Adeles of the world out in the streets calling the label unsupportive,” a source tells The Wrap. “The fact that this hasn’t already been taken care of with Luke is confusing, especially for people in the [Sony Music] building.”
Public support has also developed around the “FreeKesha” movement, exacerbating the reputational ramifications Sony and Dr. Luke may face as the case proceeds.
Given that Dr. Luke has not been convicted and/or found liable of any assault — and that Sony has publicly denied Kesha’s claims — surface-level observers question whether there would be cause to terminate the relationship. The assumption, therefore, is that some sort of settlement would be involved.
Additionally unclear as of press time is what would happen to the artists on Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe, who may be co-signed to other labels under the Sony umbrella.