It's October 14, 2025, 07:28:29 PM
Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group dismissedRapper had claimed UMG helped to damage his reputation by distributing Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like UsA federal judge has thrown out Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), ruling that the company cannot be held responsible for promoting Kendrick Lamar’s hit diss track Not Like Us.US district judge Jeannette Vargas decided Thursday that the song’s lyrics express “non-actionable opinion” and therefore cannot be considered defamatory.“The issue in this case is whether Not Like Us can reasonably be understood to convey as a factual matter that Drake is a pedophile or that he has engaged in sexual relations with minors,” the judgment states. “In light of the overall context in which the statements in the recording were made, the court holds that it cannot.”In a statement provided to Variety, a UMG spokesperson said: “From the outset, this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day. We’re pleased with the court’s dismissal and look forward to continuing our work successfully promoting Drake’s music and investing in his career.”A spokesperson for Drake said in a statement: “We intend to appeal today’s ruling, and we look forward to the court of appeals reviewing it.”Drake, who is signed to Republic Records, and Lamar, signed to Interscope Records, both operate under the Universal Music Group umbrella but through separate labels. The legal fight began earlier this year when Drake accused UMG of damaging his reputation by distributing and promoting Not Like Us.He claimed the company made secret payments and offered discounted licensing deals to boost the song’s reach, allegedly to harm his brand and reduce his leverage in ongoing contract talks.In March, UMG filed to have the motion dismissed. The label claimed that Drake “lost a rap battle that he provoked and in which he willingly participated”.“Instead of accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be, he has sued his own record label in a misguided attempt to salve his wounds,” UMG said in its statement. “Plaintiff’s complaint is utterly without merit and should be dismissed with prejudice.”Kendrick Lamar is widely acknowledged to have won last year’s culture-consuming rap beef with Drake, with Not Like Us going on to win five Grammy awards, including record of the year and song of the year.
Reading the documents is hilarious. I wonder if he's gonna rap about it.
Drake’s Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Gets Tossed, Fans and Critics ReactThe Toronto rapper took an L in court over his “Not Like Us” defamation lawsuit.Key Takeaways: A federal judge dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” ruling the lyrics are protected opinion. Charlamagne Tha God and fans online mocked Drake for filing the suit, calling it a sore-loser move. The decision highlights how diss tracks remain legally protected, reinforcing their role in Hip Hop’s cultural and lyrical battles.Drake has taken another L — this time in court. On Thursday (Oct. 9), a federal judge dismissed Drizzy’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, and reactions have been flooding social media timelines ever since.Back in January 2025, the 6 God sued his own label, alleging its promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” tarnished his reputation — largely because the song referred to him as a “certified pedophile.” However, in Judge Jeannette A. Vargas’ decision, she ruled that the song lyrics are “nonactionable opinion.”“Because the Court concludes that the allegedly defamatory statements in ‘Not Like Us’ are nonactionable opinion, the motion to dismiss is GRANTED,” wrote Vargas in her opinion.Elsewhere, Vargas referred to the song as being a product of “the most infamous rap battle in the genre’s history.” She also added, “the penultimate song of this feud, ‘Not Like Us’ by Kendrick Lamar, dealt the metaphorical killing blow.”Ouch.Reportedly, Drake’s lawyers have vowed to appeal the decision. The court of public opinion is reacting, and it’s fair to say that most of the rhetoric is not in the “One Dance” rapper’s favor.“This lawsuit wasn’t filed for any other reason other than Drake’s feelings was hurt because Kendrick busted his ass in a rap battle, it’s really that simple,” said Charlamagne Tha God on “The Breakfast Club” on Friday (Oct. 10) when discussing the case. “I’m shocked the lawsuit lasted a year and even got this far. This man got his ass busted in a good old fashioned rap battle. Nothing more, nothing less and we just have never seen how Drake reacts under real pressure. You learn a lot more about people in defeat than you do in a win. We learned that Drake is a sore loser.”There were plenty of similar sentiments on social media. “Drake's wack [a**] lawsuit has been dismissed🤣 as it should have been,” tweeted @myhumbleopinyun on X. “Apparently you can call someone a PDF in a rap battle😭 Somebody check on the Owls.”Said @DaKidGowie on X, “I believe Drake caused more harm to his image by filing a lawsuit instead of accepting the outcome of the battle with Kendrick Lamar. 🧐”Despite the controversy, Drake’s career continues to thrive. After touring Europe over the summer, the Toronto rapper is reportedly dropping a new album called Iceman before the end of the year.
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