Kesha was all set to perform at this year’s Billboard Music Awards, but it has emerged that Dr. Luke’s record company Kemosabe have blocked her from performing.
The singer was slated to perform at the ceremony on May 22nd, but apparently Kemosabe (who Kesha is still signed to), have changed their mind on the matter.
E! News report that Dick Clark Productions, who are in charge of the ceremony had sent Kesha an invitation to perform:
“We have received numerous inquiries as to whether or not Kesha is performing on the 2016 Billboard Music Awards. Kesha accepted an invitation to perform on the show and she received written approval from Dr. Luke’s record label, Kemosabe Records.”
“Kemosabe subsequently rescinded its approval following a media report on Wednesday, May 11 regarding Kesha’s appearance on the BBMAs. Unfortunately, Kesha and Kemosabe have since been unable to come to an agreement for Kesha to perform on the show.”
Dick Clark Productions stated that they hope that Kesha and Kemosabe can come to an agreement so she can still perform.
The 29-year-old has been embroiled in a legal battle with Dr. Luke (real name Lukasz Gottwald) over allegations the producer sexually assaulted her over a number of years.
She made a statement on her Instagram:
“I was very excited to perform a tribute to Bob Dylan by singing a cover of “It ain’t me, babe” at the Billboard awards this year. I’m very sad and sorry to say I won’t be allowed to do this. I just wanted to make very clear that this performance was about me honoring one of my favorite songwriters of all time and has never had anything at all to do with Dr. Luke. I was never going to use a picture of him, speak of him or allude to my legal situation in any way. I simply wanted to sing a song I love to honor an artist I have always looked up to. thank u all for the continued support.”
