Kesha triumphs: Court declares Dr. Luke public figure in defamation case

In the ongoing legal battle between Kesha and producer Dr Luke (Lukasz Gottwald), the singer achieved a significant victory in her counterclaim against him. 

The New York Court of Appeals ruled on Tuesday that Dr Luke qualifies as a public figure, which places a higher burden of proof on him in his defamation lawsuit against Kesha.

Dr Luke's lawsuit alleges that Kesha defamed him by publicly accusing him of drugging and raping her in 2005, as well as making claims of rape against another singer. 

The court's decision to categorize him as a public figure means that he must demonstrate 'actual malice' in order to succeed with his claims. 

To meet this standard, he would need to provide clear and convincing evidence that each statement made by Kesha was knowingly false or made with reckless disregard for the truth.

His intentional engagement with the media, which aimed to establish his name and reputation before a broad audience in the music industry was also highlighted.

As a limited-purpose public figure, Dr Luke now faces the burden of proving that Kesha Sebert's allegedly defamatory statements were made with actual malice. 

The trial, scheduled for next month, will further delve into the claims and counterclaims put forth by both parties.

Court examined whether 25 statements cited by Dr Luke should be excluded from the lawsuit based on "the litigation privilege" in documents related to the case. 

In this regard, the Court of Appeals sided with Kesha on five statements, deeming them covered by the privilege, while allowing the other 20 statements to remain part of the suit.

After enduring a lengthy legal process spanning nine years, the trial is scheduled to commence on July 19. 

Their case originated in 2014 when Kesha filed a court action in California seeking to void her contract with Dr Luke due to allegations of rape. 

Dr Luke vehemently denied all charges and promptly responded by filing a defamation suit against Kesha in New York.

Attorney Christine Lapera, representing Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP, stated that they were pleased with the court's agreement that the majority of Kesha's statements are appropriate subjects for Dr Luke's defamation claim.

Lapera further stated that Kesha will need to defend herself against the allegations made in her prolonged and damaging media campaign against Dr Luke during the trial.