Drake’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group Dismissed
United States Judge Dismisses Drake’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group
Drake’s Defamation Claims Considered “Nonactionable Opinion”
A United States federal judge has thrown out the defamation lawsuit filed by rapper Drake against Universal Music Group (UMG). The lawsuit was centered around the distribution and promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s contentious diss track “Not Like Us.” District Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled against Drake, declaring the track a “nonactionable opinion” within the context of its release.
Judge Vargas highlighted that the diss track emerged during a rap battle, which is crucial for understanding its impact. She elaborated, “Even apparent statements of fact may assume the character of statements of opinion when made in public debate, heated labor dispute, or other circumstances where the audience may expect fiery rhetoric or hyperbole.”
Universal Music Group’s Reaction
UMG expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit. A spokesperson for UMG told Emegypt, “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.”
Attempts to contact Drake for comments were unsuccessful as representatives for the artist did not immediately respond to Emegypt’s requests.
The Controversial “Not Like Us” Track
Drake filed the lawsuit back in January, accusing UMG of intentional defamation by backing Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” Released in May 2024, the track was noted for its severe allegations, including Lamar labeling Drake as a “certified pedophile.” Judge Vargas commented that despite the serious nature of the accusation, the heated environment of the rap battle likely led reasonable listeners to interpret the diss track as rhetorical hyperbole rather than fact.
UMG’s Motion and Continued Legal Exchange
UMG moved for a dismissal of the lawsuit in March, a motion that was eventually granted. Drake’s legal team then filed an amended complaint, pointing to UMG’s continuous promotion of “Not Like Us,” noting its performance during Lamar’s Super Bowl appearance and its recognition at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where it won five Grammys.
In response, UMG’s legal representatives claimed Drake’s updated allegations had removed overtly false claims and were even more “astonishing.”
The Future of Drake and UMG’s Collaboration
Despite the lawsuit, UMG is optimistic about future collaborations with Drake, focusing on promoting his music and continuing their successful partnership. As the legal dust settles, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how this high-profile collaboration evolves.
