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Topline
Drake has amended his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), claiming that the label contributed to public perceptions that he is a pedophile—allegations he strongly refutes. The rapper asserts that UMG promoted Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” during high-profile events like the Super Bowl and the Grammys, thereby spreading what he refers to as “defamatory material” to a vast audience.
Drake updated his lawsuit to reflect Kendrick Lamar’s successful Super Bowl performance of “Not Like Us.”
Key Facts
In his lawsuit, Drake contends that UMG orchestrated a deliberate effort to promote “Not Like Us” during the Super Bowl halftime show in February, where Lamar was the featured performer. He claims this was intended to “assassinate” his character.
The lawsuit highlights that the Super Bowl halftime show attracted an audience of 133 million, including numerous children, and exposed many viewers to the song for the first time.
While performing, Lamar notably did not recite a lyric that labels Drake as a “certified pedophile,” which the lawsuit identifies as a key piece of evidence supporting Drake’s claims of defamation. The court documents underscore the gravity of being falsely labeled as such, stressing that “nearly everyone understands that it is defamatory to falsely brand someone a ‘certified pedophile.’”
Moreover, Drake claims the Super Bowl appearance reignited interest in “Not Like Us,” propelling it back to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This resurgence, he argues, further entrenched the public’s belief in the false allegations against him, citing social media reactions—including a viral meme depicting Lamar smiling while rapping a lyric that suggests an inappropriate relationship with younger individuals.
The amended complaint identifies Lamar’s Grammy success, with five wins for “Not Like Us” during the recent awards, as a major factor in amplifying the song’s reach. These accolades were covered by various media outlets, exposing the track to an audience of 15 million viewers during the ceremony.
Drake’s lawsuit notes that after Lamar won Record of the Year, the track played during his walk to the stage, during which the audience sang along—although footage of this moment was later removed from the Recording Academy’s official video of the event.
How Did Universal Music Group Respond To Drake’s Amended Lawsuit?
In response to the amended complaint, UMG issued a statement to Forbes, contending that Drake, who has had a lengthy and successful partnership with the label, is being misled by his attorneys. The company characterized the lawsuit as “an affront to all artists and creative expression” and stated that if the lawsuit persists, they would demonstrate that all remaining claims lack merit. UMG warned that the lawsuit could have significant reputational and financial ramifications for Drake, expressing skepticism about its chances of success.
Is Drake Suing Kendrick Lamar?
No, Kendrick Lamar is not named as a defendant in Drake’s lawsuit. The complaint explicitly states that it is directed entirely at UMG, indicating that the dispute revolves around the label’s decision to publish and promote a track containing allegations that Drake asserts are not only false but also harmful.
When Did Drake Sue UMG—and Why?
Drake initiated legal action by filing pre-lawsuit notifications in Texas before proceeding with an official lawsuit against UMG in New York federal court in January. His original claim charged UMG with defamation based on the release and promotion of “Not Like Us,” which Drake argues contains lyrics that falsely accuse him of pedophilia. This includes phrases like “‘Certified Lover Boy’? Certified pedophile” and insinuations that challenge his character. The suit also criticizes the cover art for “Not Like Us,” which features an altered image of his Toronto residence embellished with symbols associated with sex offenders. Additionally, Drake accuses UMG of employing bots to artificially boost the song’s streaming numbers on platforms like Spotify, making payments to radio stations to ensure airplay, and enlisting influencers to enhance visibility for “Not Like Us.” He states that the misinformation promoted has led many to accept the false allegation of pedophilia as true, referencing social media engagement and a recent incident in which his Toronto home was targeted by armed intruders shortly after the song’s release.
Key Background
This lawsuit represents the climax of a long-standing rivalry between Drake and Lamar, which many observers suggest was quietly simmering until it erupted in early 2024, marked by a series of diss tracks released in rapid succession by both artists. Lamar’s “Not Like Us” emerged as a critical point in their feud, gaining significant traction and leading many to declare him the winner of the conflict. Throughout their back-and-forth, the two rappers exchanged increasingly extreme accusations, including Lamar’s claims regarding the existence of a secret child fathered by Drake and Drake’s assertion that Lamar was abusive towards his partner—an allegation that Lamar has denied. Reportedly, Drake also suggested that false narratives had been planted to provoke Lamar’s responses in their lyrical exchanges. Media coverage has depicted Lamar’s Grammy successes and Super Bowl appearance as celebratory milestones in light of this feud.
Further Reading
Drake Sues Universal Music Group For Defamation Over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ (Forbes)
Drake-Kendrick Lamar Feud Timeline: ‘Not Like Us’ Headlines Super Bowl Show (Forbes)
Source
www.forbes.com