A hit-making music producer is seeking to dismiss allegations he sexually abused pop singer Kesha.
Attorneys for Lukasz Gottwald, known professionally as Dr. Luke, argue in a court filing Monday that Kesha's claim she was raped by her mentor is barred by the statute of limitations.
Kesha sued Gottwald last month, claiming the producer subjected her to nearly a decade of emotional and sexual abuse. Gottwald sued in New York and has denied he raped his one-time protege. His attorneys say the case is an attempt by the singer to gain a more favorable contract.
Gottwald's filings note Kesha denied in a 2011 deposition that the producer made any sexual advances. Kesha's attorney, Mark Geragos, has said Gottwald threatened to harm Kesha if she ever discussed the alleged rape.
Geragos had no immediate comment on Monday's filing.
