Kesha Voices Support for Kim Petras After the Dr. Luke–Affiliated Singer Asked to Be Released From Her Label Amid Album Delays
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Petras shared multiple posts on X expressing that she feels overlooked by Republic Records and lacks autonomy over her personal and professional life.
Kesha has publicly voiced her support for Kim Petras following the pop singer’s candid comments about her record label.
On Tuesday, Jan. 20, Petras shared a series of posts on social media expressing frustration with her label and revealing that she has formally asked to be released from her contract. Shortly afterward, Kesha responded with a message of solidarity.
The exchange carries particular weight given the artists’ shared industry history. Petras is signed to Amigo Records, founded by Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, through Republic Records. Kesha famously filed a lawsuit against Gottwald in 2014, alleging sexual, emotional, and physical abuse—claims he denied before countersuing. A judge dismissed Kesha’s case in 2016, and the parties ultimately settled Gottwald’s lawsuit privately in 2023.
In her posts on X, Petras claimed her upcoming album has been completed for six months but remains unreleased due to label inaction. She also alleged that collaborators have not been compensated and said a self-funded music video for her next single was filmed more than two months ago without receiving a release date.
She went on to say she feels stripped of autonomy, both personally and professionally, explaining that she wants to continue independently financing and curating her work. As a result, she said she has formally requested to be dropped by Republic Records.
Petras also pointed out that despite winning a Grammy two years ago, she feels she has received little to no backing from the label. Addressing fans directly, she assured them that her forthcoming album, Detour, will be released regardless of the circumstances.
Kesha responded directly to Petras’ statement about lacking control over her life and career. She wrote that she spent years fighting for ownership of herself, adding that realizing a seemingly ideal situation is still restrictive is not a triumph but a recurring tragedy in the industry.
She emphasized that freedom should not be conditional, calling it a fundamental right, and expressed empathy and sorrow for Petras’ experience. Kesha, who launched her independent imprint Kesha Records in 2024 after completing her contract with Sony Music, previously worked under RCA Records and Gottwald’s Kemosabe label.
Petras replied to Kesha’s message with a heart emoji.
At the time of publication, requests for comment from Amigo Records and Republic Records had not been returned.
Petras’ relationship with her label has been strained for years due to creative and release disputes. Her album Problématique was initially shelved in favor of Feed the Beast, which became her major-label debut. After Feed the Beast failed to meet expectations, Problématique was later released.
In a November 2025 interview, Petras reflected on feeling pressured to meet industry expectations early in her career, saying she was later penalized for doing so. She also addressed criticism that accused her of “selling out” through collaborations with high-profile artists such as Nicki Minaj and David Guetta.
Explaining her creative mindset moving forward, Petras said she intentionally embraced those collaborations to gain the freedom to make music on her own terms later. She added that she was prepared to face limited label support and smaller budgets if it meant creating work that felt authentic—even if it came with professional consequences.