Kesha 'sad and sorry' about Billboard Music Awards cancellation
Singer Kesha insists she had no intention of bringing up her contentious relationship with Dr. Luke at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday (22May16).
The Tik Tok hitmaker was initially scheduled to perform at the ceremony, but on Tuesday (17May16) executives at Dick Clark Productions, the company behind the big show in Las Vegas, confirmed in a statement that bosses behind Dr. Luke's record label Kemosabe Records, which Kesha is signed to, rescinded their approval for her gracing the stage after initially providing the OK.
Kesha and her former mentor have been engaged in a court battle for
years after she accused him of assault and abuse during their
decade-long partnership, but the star swears she did not plan to
address their ongoing legal dispute at the Billboard Music
Awards.
Taking to Instagram.com, Kesha posted a blurry picture of her
playing the guitar, adding the caption, "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," she added. "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."
TMZ previously reported Dr. Luke changed his mind about releasing
the rights to her music for the performance because he was
convinced she was planning on discussing their legal battle at the
ceremony.
Earlier this year (16), Kesha was unsuccessful with her legal bid
to scrap her contract with Kemosabe Records and following the court
verdict, she insisted her career would be restricted as a result of
the judge's order. However, Dr. Luke declared that wasn't the case
and there were no such restrictions on her deal, adding Kesha was
free to work with anyone she wanted to collaborate with.
The cancellation news comes a day after a Los Angeles Superior
Court judge deferred Kesha's sexual assault case against Dr. Luke
until her breach of contract lawsuit has been resolved.
The case has been put on hold until 15 July (16), when another
status hearing is scheduled to take place.