Kesha

Kesha suffers setback in Dr Luke defamation trial

Gottwald sued Kesha in 2014, saying she had fabricated rape claims against him to get out of a recording contract.

In a ruling on Thursday, New York judge Jennifer Schecter said the star had defamed Gottwald when she texted Lady Gaga claiming he had raped Katy Perry.

Kesha was also told to pay interest of $373,671 (£289,000) on late royalties.

The pop star, whose full name is Kesha Rose Sebert, rose to fame in 2009 with Dr Luke-produced hits like Tik Tok and We R Who We R.

Kesha directs new song at old boss Dr Luke

The song, called Praying, is a piano ballad which seems to be aimed directly at her old manager Dr Luke.

The two have been locked in a legal battle for years, including allegations of sexual abuse made by Kesha which Dr Luke denies.

The singer has also written an essay documenting her struggles with depression, anxiety and an eating disorder over the past few years.

Kesha drops California case against Dr. Luke

Kesha's attorney told Rolling Stone the singer dropped her civil lawsuit in California, but will continue to pursue appeals in New York where a judge dismissed her sexual abuse claims against Gottwald in April. (The sole claim pending is a request to terminate Kesha's contract with Gottwald's company.)

Kesha appeals court decision, likening recording contract to slavery

Kesha, who has accused Dr Luke of rape, says the ruling is akin to slavery.

The Tik Tok singer, 28, has been seeking to nullify her six-album recording contract with the producer, his associated record labels, and Sony Music.