"I am coming to change the world, honey" — Kesha opens up about feeling "free for the first time" since Dr. Luke's lawsuit

American singer-songwriter Kesha Rose Sebert has shared her journey of liberation and newfound empowerment following the conclusion of her legal battles with producer Dr. Luke.

On July 16, 2024, in an interview with Forbes, the Californian artist reflected on the early days of her career, new venture, recent release, and the feeling of being free for the first time, following her legal battle with RCA Records label producer.

In a candid statement, Kesha revealed that she has started her own record company and is coming to "change the world." She stated:

"I started my own record company, and I am coming to change the world, honey, so just hold on tight."

The American singer filed a lawsuit against her former producer, Dr. Luke aka Lukasz Sebastian Gottwald, in 2014, alleging that he r***d while she was unconscious in 2005.

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Kesha reflects on her journey to empowerment amid lawsuit settlement

The American artist Kesha (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Christian Siriano

In the interview with Forbes, Kesha expressed her earnest commitment to effecting positive change in the world, leveraging whatever influence she possesses. Referencing her legal battles, the artist highlighted her motivation, and desire to prevent others from experiencing similar hardships in the future. She said:

"I'm working really hard to change everything in my power in this world so that never happens to anyone ever again."

The Californian artist, who released her new track Joyride on July 4, 2024, was queried by the publication regarding her reaction to the enthusiastic reception of the song.

In response, while expressing gratitude, the 37-year-old artist also conveyed a sense of liberation, noting that she now feels a profound sense of freedom compared to when she was 18 years old. She revealed:

"Like the most gratitude, happiness - I feel free for the first time since I was 18 years old, and I so appreciate every single person that has streamed it, and I love the videos that are being made."

During the interview, when the artist was asked to offer advice to individuals who are still struggling to achieve freedom or whose voices have not yet been heard, Kesha emphasized the importance of having competent legal representation.

She further expressed concern over the injustice of silencing individuals, mainly through legal means. However, the singer encouraged them to speak out, asserting that ultimately, embracing their truth would lead to set them "free." She said:

"I would say, first of all, get a good lawyer - that's step one," she continued. "It's really [expletive] up that in this country, you can lose the rights to your voice, but you will never lose the rights to your truth, and the truth will set you free."

Kesha's mention of setting free after a long time, specifically from an 18-year-old soul, reflected the misconduct she experienced at that age. In October 2005, during Nicky Hilton’s birthday party at Paris Hilton's residence, she was allegedly drugged and taken to a hotel where she was r***d by the head of Kemosabe Records.

At that time, the artist told her mother that she did not want to be a victim but instead wanted to release her music. Years passed, and Kesha gave hits such as Right Round in 2009 and her first solo debut single, Tik Tok.

Later, in 2014, she filed the lawsuit, which alleged Luke not only for s****l assault and battery but for body shaming and forcing her to lose weight as well. At the same time, Luke filed a counter lawsuit against the artist, her mother, Pebe, and manager Jack Rovner for defamation.

The following year, the judge halts Kesha's lawsuit at Dr. Luke's request. That year, the artist filed an emergency preliminary injunction and sought immediate legal relief to terminate her contractual obligations with Dr. Luke. In 2016, Luke's defamation lawsuit against Pebe Sebert and manager Jack Rovner was dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction.

The artist's attorney presented a few pieces of evidence in the court trial in 2022, but they were denied as the plaintiff found them too late. In June 2023, Kesha won the judgment, ruling that Dr Luke would be considered a public person for the trial in July 2023.

Right before the trial in July 2023, the duo settled their lawsuit, suggesting that they had fought for nearly ten years and wanted to begin a new life. They ended the dispute on June 22, 2023. The singer wrote in a statement:

"Only God knows what happened that night. As I always said, I cannot recount everything that happened. I am looking forward to closing the door on this chapter of my life and beginning a new one. I wish nothing but peace to all parties involved."

Kesha's new track has been released with her record label. The collaboration with Madison Love for Joyride is for her forthcoming sixth studio album. The artist is also looking forward to supporting new talent under her label.