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Drake’s Defamation Lawsuit Against UMG: Legal Tensions Escalate
Drake’s legal representatives swiftly reacted to Universal Music Group’s (UMG) recent comments concerning the ongoing defamation lawsuit filed by the rapper. The lawsuit revolves around UMG’s involvement in the distribution and promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy-winning track, “Not Like Us.”
A spokesperson for Drake labeled UMG’s latest statement as a “desperate attempt to spin the narrative” meant to distract from the real issues at play. “Drake is holding the largest music conglomerate in the world accountable for its actions and doing so without fear,” the spokesperson asserted.
In a notable development on Wednesday, Drake’s legal team modified the original complaint to highlight Lamar’s performance during the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. This performance included a shortened version of “Not Like Us,” omitting a lyric that refers to Drake as a “certified pedophile.” However, Lamar still included provocative lines such as, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young.”
The revised complaint posits that the exclusion of the term “pedophile” during Lamar’s Super Bowl appearance bolsters Drake’s defamation allegations. The argument presented by the legal team suggests that the decision to not include such a damaging label indicates widespread recognition of its defamatory nature.
In response to the amended lawsuit, UMG issued a statement that warned Drake of possible consequences should he not withdraw the lawsuit entirely. The music company emphasized its long-standing successful partnership with Drake, while simultaneously describing his lawyers as a misguided influence leading him into increasingly irrational legal confrontations.
UMG further referenced a recent court ruling that permitted Drake to seek documentation pertaining to Lamar’s contract with UMG. The corporation cautioned that what may come across as a legal victory for Drake might turn into a setback if he proceeds with the lawsuit, stating, “As the old saying goes, ‘be careful what you wish for.’”
In a quick rebuttal, Drake’s legal team expressed confidence in the strength of their case. They remarked, “UMG knows the case against it is only getting stronger. Drake welcomes discovery and has nothing to hide. It’s not Drake who should worry; it’s UMG’s current leadership.”
Drake’s spokesperson expanded on their critique of UMG, claiming, “UMG claims to stand for creativity but, in reality, exploits it. The artist community recognizes this. UMG drains artists for profits and then discards them.” They noted that Drake is part of a broader movement of artists voicing concerns about UMG’s management. In closing, the spokesperson emphasized, “Drake knows exactly what he asked for: the truth and accountability.”
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www.thewrap.com