UPDATE: Dr. Luke has reversed course as his label is now allowing the performance to happen.
Here was there statement/explanation to the AP:
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
Dick Clark Productions, who run the Billboard Awards show, confirmed the change.
—-
Lady Gaga has come to the defense of Kesha after it was revealed that Dr. Luke’s label is preventing her from performing at the upcoming Billboard Music Awards.
Kesha accepted an invitation to perform a tribute to living legend Bob Dylan at the ceremony this Sunday. The ongoing legal battle with Dr. Luke has now prevented this from happening.
Via a statement from Dick Clark productions:
“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 Kemosabe subsequently rescinded its approval following a media report on Wednesday, May 11 regarding Kesha’s appearance on the BBMAs.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.”
Kesha took to Instagram to let her fans know how disappointed she was that she would be unable to perform Dylan’s classic “It Ain’t Me Babe.” She wrote:
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.
Not long after the news surfaced, Kesha’s mom sounded off on the situation in a number of angry tweets.
How much more public abuse does my daughter have to take before someone says " Enough is enough"!
— keshas mom (@grannywrapper) May 18, 2016
Wouldn't it be nice if other artists stood with Kesha and refused to preform if she is not allowed to sing!
— keshas mom (@grannywrapper) May 18, 2016
Do you think that there is one male singer who could ever be "not allowed to sing " on the Billboard Awards by another man???
— keshas mom (@grannywrapper) May 18, 2016
Lady Gaga, who has been an open vocal proponent of Kesha’s since the “Tik Tok” singer accused Dr. Luke of sexually abusing her, also chimed in.
Isn't it strange that it's legal to own a woman this way? Listen Ursula, we want her voice back. #freeKesha https://t.co/rifG9nWRWw
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) May 19, 2016
