Ethan Miller/Michael Kovac/Getty Images for City of HopeKesha and Dr. Luke's legal battle experienced a surprise turn of events on Monday.
The "Timber" singer filed to dismiss her sexual assault lawsuit against the producer in California, according to multiple reports.
"Kesha has dismissed her California action without prejudice while she pursues her appeal and other legal claims in the New York courts," the pop star's counsel, Daniel Petrocelli, said in an official statement to E! News. "Kesha is focused on getting back to work and has delivered 28 new songs to the record label. We have conveyed to Sony and the label Kesha's strong desire to release her next album and single as soon as possible."
Kesha also posted to Instagram with the caption, "My fight continues. I need to get my music out. I have so much to say. This lawsuit is so heavy on my once free spirit, and I can only pray to one day feel that happiness again. I am continuing to fight for my rights in New York. Thank you for all your support. The support of my fans has been so beautiful and I'm so grateful for it. I'm Not sure where I would be without you all."
As the news broke, Dr. Luke's legal team decided to speak out slamming Kesha for her "false and meritless" claims.
"If Kesha is voluntarily dismissing her claims in the California case, it is because she has no chance of winning them," Christine Lepera said in a statement to E! News. "Earlier this year, she lost her meritless counterclaims against Dr. Luke in the New York Action. Recently, the California Court invited Dr. Luke and the other defendants to move to dismiss Kesha's claims in that action. Kesha never should have brought her false and meritless claims against Dr. Luke in any court. Dr. Luke's defamation and other claims against Kesha are still proceeding."
For nearly four years, Kesha has remained bound to Dr. Luke and his Kemosabe label under Sony Music. And while she has been able to perform at select events like the 2016 Billboard Music Awards, the singer hasn't been able to release new music as the case continues.
The development comes less than a week after Kesha addressed the "pain" she was feeling amid her legal drama.
While performing at an Americans for Responsible Solutions PAC event for Gabby Giffords in Philadelphia, the singer paused to thank the politician and discuss the "hurt" and ''pain'' she's felt, not only from her lawsuit but from the tragedies that have struck the nation lately.
"I've been thinking about it because I feel like if you're a human being, you go through things, and you go through hurt. And every single one of us knows that emotion. I don't know if you guys know what I'm going through, I'm going through a lawsuit," she explained. "We as a nation, we can't control who feels hurt. We can't control who feels pain and we can't control what you do with the hurt, and the pain and the anger."
The 29-year-old added, "I do think love is something as humans we all have and I hope heals us. I really believe that love and empathy, it can heal us."
As the case has played out, Dr. Luke has denied any allegations of sexual assault or battery against Kesha.
"Until now I haven't commented on the lawsuits, which should be resolved in court not here on Twitter," Dr. Luke shared on Twitter back in February. "I didn't rape Kesha and I have never had sex with her. Kesha and I were friends for many years and she was like my little sister."
He continued, "Kesha and I made a lot of songs together and it was often good but there were creative differences at times. It's sad that she would turn a contract negotiation into something so horrendous and untrue. But I feel confident when this is over the lies will be exposed and the truth will prevail...I want to thank all my friends and family who have supported me throughout this. This is an ongoing legal case so I won't be responding / talking much about this. This should be tried in a court of law."