Katy Perry Wants Deposition From Kesha And Dr. Luke Case Sealed

Pop star Katy Perry is embroiled in a legal battle to have information she shared in a deposition pertaining to the ongoing case between pop producer Dr. Luke and singer Kesha sealed. Perry's lawyers claim the information from the deposition may be used to hurt her reputation.

Perry's lawyer, Hal Shaftel, has asked the judge in the case to prevent the contents of Perry's deposition from becoming public, according to Page Six.

“The sealing of [Perry's] deposition testimony is particularly appropriate because disclosure — in light of her public profile — obviously could unfairly affect and even cause ‘significant harm’ to her ‘career and reputation,'” wrote Shaftel in an argument. “Because of her high-profile status as an artist, advocate and role model, Ms. Hudson is vulnerable to ‘gossip column’ frenzy aimed at exaggerating salacious matters having little to nothing to do with the merits — whatever they may be — of the substantive, material issues in this case."

In the filing, Shaftel referred to Perry by her given name, Katheryn Hudson.

Shaftel added that the deposition is “not germane to the public” and has only been “tangential” to the the case itself.

Perry became involved in the years-long dispute between Kesha and Dr. Luke (nee Lukasz Sebastian Gottwald) after a text message sent by Kesha to fellow singer Lady Gaga alleged that Gottwald had raped Perry, according to E! News. In court, Luke had accused Kesha of making false statements about her and denied the accusation, necessitating the involvement of Perry herself. Perry's attorneys now argue she offered the testimony with the understanding that her comments would not be made public.

"Katy Perry herself confirmed that Dr. Luke did not rape her," said Luke's legal team to Jezebel in June 2018. Kesha’s accusation to the contrary - just like her other outrageous lies about Dr. Luke - is baseless and irresponsible, and it is disrespectful to both Katy Perry and Dr. Luke. In his defamation lawsuit against Kesha, Dr. Luke seeks damages for the harm caused by these malicious falsehoods."

Luke and Kesha's continuing legal ordeal dates back to 2014, when Kesha asked to be released from Kemosabe Records, an imprint of Sony Music operated by Dr. Luke, who she accused of sexually, physically, and emotionally abusing her.

Perry has not offered a comment on the recent request to the judge. A judge has yet to rule on the request.

[Photo: Katy Perry by Paul Kane / Getty Images]