Kesha is appealing the February denial of an injunction she filed against former producer Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald late last year, one that would've allowed her to continue her musical career with a different label while their legal dispute is being resolved. The terms of Kesha's original contract with Dr. Luke and parent label Sony Music Entertainment dictate that she must work with the producer when she records and releases new music. The appeal is the latest development in a conflict that began in 2014, when the pop star first formally alleged that Dr. Luke had emotionally abused and raped her over the course of their working relationship.

"The Court erred in basing its decision on its finding that Kesha could record without interference from Gottwald," wrote Kesha's attorney Mark Geragos in the filing. "Although it recognized that 'slavery was done away with a long time ago' and that '[y]ou can't force someone to work... in a situation in which they don't want to work,' the Court's ruling requiring Kesha to work for Gottwald's companies... does just that."

The rejection of Kesha's injunction inspired an outpouring of support on social media and in the press from Kesha's fans and peers, including stars like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Adele. Kesha and Dr. Luke both posted messages to fans and onlookers on social media in the days following the injunction's denial. An earlier March report that Sony was considering ending its contract with Dr. Luke was met with a swift denial from the producer's camp and no comment from Sony. This is a complicated dispute, and Kesha's decision to file this appeal is a logical next step in a case that could take years to fully resolve.