Pop star Kesha was originally scheduled to perform on the 2016 Billboard Music Awards this Sunday, but now her record label Kemosabe Records, a subsidiary of Sony, has nixed the appearance.
“Kesha accepted an invitation to perform on the show and she received written approval from Dr. Luke’s record label, Kemosabe Records,” Dick Clark Productions said in a statement. “Kemosabe subsequently rescinded its approval following a media report on Wednesday, May 11th regarding Kesha’s appearance on the BBMAs.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. Dick Clark Productions has a long-standing relationship with Kesha. We hope that the parties can come to an arrangement such that we can continue that long-standing relationship with a performance by Kesha on the Billboard Music Awards stage on May 22.”
Kesha has been tangled in a legal battle against Kemosabe Records’ founder Dr. Luke since 2014. She claims her former producer abused her sexually, physically, verbally and emotionally, but a judge ruled earlier this year that she wouldn’t be able to break her record contract with Sony. Reportedly, the singer was going to reference her legal battle during her performance.
If the two parties do not reach an agreement, it is still possible Kesha could still perform as long as she doesn’t perform her own tracks since Kemosabe Records owns her music.
The 2016 Billboard Music Awards air Sunday, May 22 on ABC at 7:00pm CST.
