In a recent interview on Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, Kesha offered one of her most candid reflections to date on the emotional toll of her years-long legal battle with producer Dr. Luke.

The pop artist, who spent nearly a decade in litigation after accusing Dr. Luke of abuse in 2014, spoke about the psychological cost of continuing to make music under a system that, for a long time, she felt offered little support or protection. At the heart of her comments was the dissonance between being a public performer and a private individual enduring significant legal and emotional stress.

“It felt like the biggest head trip of all time,” she said, describing what it was like to continue releasing music through a label tied to Dr. Luke while simultaneously pursuing a legal case against him. “The recordings of my voice did not legally belong to me. The only way I could exit the deal was to deliver more music. It got very complicated.”

Her 2014 lawsuit, which accused Dr. Luke of sexual assault, emotional abuse, and manipulation, was largely dismissed in court. In turn, Dr. Luke filed a defamation lawsuit against Kesha, which concluded only in 2023 with a confidential settlement. During those years, she was still legally bound to fulfill album commitments under Kemosabe Records, Dr. Luke’s label with Sony.

Throughout the process, Kesha said she continued to perform and release music because of her fans, but admitted the strain was significant. “I would because I want my fans to have a space to connect,” she said. “But I was really struggling. I was truly dying inside.” She described the emotional disconnect that came with having to appear composed and energized while privately feeling overwhelmed. “I’m doing the thing I love. I’m fortunate to have an audience and a platform. But it still baffles me that the legal system could observe this situation and essentially allow it to continue.”

While Kesha emphasized the support she received from her fan base, she acknowledged that, at times, the situation felt isolating. “It felt inhumane,” she said. “It’s not that I actually believed nobody cared. But when it goes on for that long, and nothing changes, it’s hard not to feel that way.”

She admitted that healing from the experience is ongoing. “My heart is probably going to be tearing in small pieces for a long time,” she said. “It’ll take time to feel fully whole again.”

That said, Kesha is entering a new chapter. In July 2025, she released Period, an independent album, stylized simply as “ . “ , marking the first time she fully owns her music, a major shift both creatively and professionally. The record departs from her earlier work with a more experimental and personal sound, reflecting the freedom she now has over her artistic direction. For the first time since signing her original record deal at 18, she owns her masters and has full control over her recordings. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this,” she said. “I didn’t know what it would feel like. But now that I have it, ownership over my own voice, it’s both freeing and grounding.”