Katy Perry criticized for avoiding questions about Dr. Luke amidst Kesha assault allegations

Producer Dr. Luke sparked controversy in 2014 when singer Kesha accused him of sexual assault and harassment.

Katy Perry sparked controversy when she avoided addressing her collaboration with producer Dr. Luke on new music, despite Kesha's allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

Recently, it came to light that Dr. Luke co-produced Katy Perry's new single "Woman's World," which is being promoted as a feminist anthem, as well as other tracks on her upcoming sixth studio album.

Dr. Luke, whose real name is Łukasz Sebastian Gottwald, has produced numerous of Katy Perry's iconic songs, such as "I Kissed a Girl" in 2008, "Teenage Dream" in 2010, and "Roar" in 2013, which have significantly shaped her career.

What did a fan ask Katy Perry about her collaboration with Dr. Luke?

Perry was questioned about the contentious collaboration as she left a Paris Fashion Week event on Wednesday, captured in footage obtained by TMZ.

As she moved through the crowd, a fan directly asked her: “Isn't your album about women empowerment? Why are you working with Dr. Luke?”

Perry remained silent as she swiftly entered her chauffeured SUV in response to the fan's question.

As the fan spoke, a member of Perry's team attempted to close the car door, but a security guard intervened.

It's uncertain whether Katy Perry intentionally ignored the fan's question or if it was lost amid the noise of the crowd outside the Paris Fashion Week event.

Did Katy Perry collaborate with Dr. Luke despite Kesha’s allegations of sexual abuse from the producer?

The collaboration between Katy Perry and Dr. Luke has stirred significant controversy ahead of her highly anticipated comeback.

Earlier in the current month, Rolling Stone disclosed that the multi-Grammy Award nominee is working with Dr. Luke, alongside Max Martin, Sarah Hudson, and Stargate, for her sixth album.

A source from Capitol Records indicated that Perry “knew exactly the album she wanted to make and put together the team to make it happen,” and assembled the team necessary to bring that vision to life for her first release since 2020's Smile.

Online reactions targeted both Perry and Dr. Luke, who resolved a defamation lawsuit with Kesha last year. Kesha had alleged in a 2014 lawsuit that Dr. Luke sexually and physically abused her.

How did Kesha respond to Katy Perry working with Dr. Luke?

Kesha, also known as Kesha Rose Sebert, tweeted "lol" following reports of Perry's collaboration with Dr. Luke.

In June 2023, Kesha and Dr. Luke reached a settlement, ending their protracted legal dispute.

Why did Kesha sue Dr. Luke?

Dr. Luke, a prominent music producer, sparked controversy in 2014 when singer Kesha accused him of sexual assault and harassment. Kesha filed a lawsuit against him in October 2014, alleging years of abusive behavior.

The legal dispute garnered substantial media coverage and prompted a #FreeKesha movement among supporters and artists. Despite Kesha's allegations and widespread backing, courts ruled against her in multiple legal proceedings, upholding Dr. Luke's contracts and dismissing her claims.

At the end of the legal proceedings, Kesha stated in a release, "Only God knows what happened that night," while Dr. Luke asserted he was “absolutely certain that nothing happened" and that he “never drugged or assaulted her.”

Perry was among several prominent figures who provided testimony or sworn statements in the case, along with celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne, and Adam Levine, as reported by the AP.