Singer Kesha has been asked to honour her contract with music producer Dr Luke, who she claims sexually assaulted her.
The 28-year-old singer broke down in court on Friday when a Manhattan Supreme Court judge refused to let her walk away from a six-album deal with Sony and Dr Luke.
Kesha had sought to nullify her recording contract because it brought her into contact with music producer Dr. Luke, whose real name is Luke Gottwald.
"You're asking the court to decimate a contract that was heavily negotiated and typical for the industry," said New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich said to Mark Geragos, Kesha's attorney.
During their professional relationship, Kesha alleges that Dr Luke abused and assaulted for years. According to the Hollywood Reporter, she alleges that the music producer drugged and raped her a decade ago.
Dr Luke's lawyers have argued that the singer is trying to extort him to get out of her contract. Luke has also denied the allegations of sexual assault. The producer has reportedly agreed to let her record music without being involved.
At the court hearing, Justice Kornreich also brought up the lack of medical evidence for the assault. The judge, however, has not made the ruling to dismiss the motion.
Several fans held protests out the court during the hearing.
