Drake has taken legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), filing a defamation lawsuit on Wednesday, January 15, in a New York federal court.
According to TMZ, the case revolves around allegations that UMG knowingly distributed and promoted Kendrick Lamar’s controversial track “Not Like Us” despite being aware of false and defamatory claims made in the song.
The lawsuit accuses UMG of ignoring the “inflammatory and shocking allegations” in the song, particularly false claims regarding Drake, which he asserts were included for financial gain. The artist alleges that UMG saw the controversy surrounding the track as a lucrative opportunity, prioritizing profits over the truth.
Drake further contends that UMG’s involvement extends beyond distribution, claiming the company may have played a role in Lamar securing a slot at next month’s Super Bowl Halftime Show.
He argues that the event would serve as a platform for Lamar to perform “Not Like Us”, amplifying what Drake describes as defamatory content at one of the world’s most-watched cultural events.
Additionally, Drake claims UMG’s aggressive promotion of the record was intended to harm his reputation and devalue his brand, ultimately giving the label leverage in future negotiations. He also links the song’s release to a rise in security concerns, citing multiple shootings near his home, including one incident that injured a security guard.
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Drake’s lawsuit makes it clear that his legal action is not directed at Kendrick Lamar personally. “This lawsuit is not about the artist who created ‘Not Like Us’,” the filing states. “It is entirely about UMG, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit, and monetize a record riddled with falsehoods.”
While UMG has yet to respond to the latest legal filing, the company previously addressed Drake’s initial petition in a statement to Variety in November: “The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.”
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