Drake’s Label Seeks Dismissal of ‘Astonishing’ Suit
UMG Seeks Dismissal of Drake’s Amended defamation Lawsuit
Table of Contents
- UMG Seeks Dismissal of Drake’s Amended defamation Lawsuit
- Drake vs. UMG: A Breakdown of the “Not Like Us” Defamation Lawsuit
- What’s the Core Issue in the Drake vs. UMG Lawsuit?
- What is UMG’s Latest Move in the Lawsuit?
- What are UMG’s Main arguments for Dismissal?
- What Specific Actions by UMG Does Drake Claim Were Defamatory?
- What is Drake’s Response to UMG’s Motion?
- How does UMG View Drake’s Claims?
- what Has Been the Role of online Commentary in the Lawsuit?
- What Does UMG Say About Drake’s Claims of bots?
- What is the Current Status of the Lawsuit?
- Key Players and Their Positions
Worldwide Music Group (UMG) has filed a motion to dismiss Drake’s amended defamation lawsuit, escalating the legal battle stemming from kendrick Lamar’s track, “Not Like Us.” The motion, filed Wednesday, is UMG’s response to Drake’s updated complaint from April.
Background of the Lawsuit
Drake initially sued UMG in January, alleging that the label intentionally promoted “Not Like Us,” thereby defaming him. UMG countered with a motion to dismiss in March. Drake’s legal team then refiled an amended complaint last month, focusing on events following the initial filing. The amended complaint argues that UMG knowingly negotiated and promoted “Not Like Us” through Lamar’s Super Bowl performance and by allowing the song to be played at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
UMG’s Arguments for Dismissal
UMG’s latest motion to dismiss largely reiterates arguments from its original filing while addressing the new claims in Drake’s amended complaint. UMG’s counsel stated that Drake “removed obviously false factual allegations” in his amended complaint,calling the remaining allegations “astounding.”
Regarding Lamar’s Super Bowl performance, UMG lawyers argued that the performance did not include the specific lyric accusing Drake or his associates of being ”certified pedophiles,” which Drake alleges is the core of the defamation case. They stated, ”The focus of Drake’s new claims—that ‘the largest audience for a Super Bowl halftime show ever’ did not hear Lamar call Drake or his crew pedophiles—betrays this case for what it is: Drake’s attack on the commercial and creative success of the rap artist who defeated him, rather than the content of Lamar’s lyrics.”
UMG’s response to Drake’s claims
In a statement provided to Variety,a UMG spokesperson said,”Nowhere in the hundred-plus page ‘legal’ blather written by Drake’s lawyers do they bother to acknowledge that Drake himself has written and performed massively successful songs containing equally provocative taunts against other artists. Nor do they mention that it was Drake who started this particular exchange. Apparently, Drake’s lawyers believe that when Drake willingly participates in a performative rap-battle of music and poetry, he can be ‘defamed’ even though he engages in the exact same form of creative expression.”
Representatives for Drake did not respond to Variety‘s request for comment.
Arguments Regarding Online Commentary
UMG’s 33-page document, reviewed by variety, further elaborates on arguments from their initial motion. UMG’s counsel asserts that Drake “cherry-picked” anonymous online comments to support his defamation claim, arguing that thes comments do not reflect factual interpretations of “Not Like Us” but rather artistic expression or hyperbole. They contend that “the subjective opinions of a handful of people do not factor in, particularly where — as here — they are found in anonymous online comments, which are notoriously unreliable.”
UMG’s counsel also pointed out that Drake withdrew previous allegations that UMG paid for bots to stream “Not Like Us,” as stated on a podcast. They claim drake is now citing a different podcast host who alleged Lamar used bots, along with a since-deleted anonymous post on X accusing Lamar of “buying promo” to mock Drake’s lawsuit, and another post claiming UMG and Lamar used a bot streamer. “Courts reject such online comment-based pleading as online comments ‘utterly fail to make plausible’ the underlying factual claims,” they wrote.
UMG’s Continued Support for Artists
in their statement to Variety,UMG added,“Drake’s lawyers can also keep seeking to ‘uncover’ evidence of wild conspiracies as to why one song that upset Drake had massive global appeal,but there is nothing to ‘uncover.’ Except for this: by working tirelessly in partnership with our artists, we achieve global success for them and their music. Our continuing partnership with Drake and his enduring success is a shining example. Despite his lawyers’ attempts to silence other artists and threaten the companies that work with them, we remain committed to propelling Drake’s career while maintaining our unwavering support of all our artists’ creative expression. Drake’s included.”
Discovery Process Ongoing
Despite UMG’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint, the discovery process in the lawsuit is ongoing. In early April, a judge denied UMG’s request to stay the discovery process, allowing Drake to proceed with requesting access to documents, including lamar’s contracts with the label.
Drake vs. UMG: A Breakdown of the “Not Like Us” Defamation Lawsuit
This article provides an in-depth look at the legal battle between Drake and Worldwide Music Group (UMG) stemming from Kendrick Lamar‘s song,”Not Like Us.” We’ll break down the key arguments, the current status of the lawsuit, and why it matters.
What’s the Core Issue in the Drake vs. UMG Lawsuit?
The lawsuit centers around Drake’s claim that UMG intentionally promoted Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” to defame him. Drake alleges that UMG’s actions, primarily regarding the promotion of the song, are a form of defamation.This lawsuit began in January and has seen multiple filings and counter-arguments.
What is UMG’s Latest Move in the Lawsuit?
UMG has filed a motion to dismiss Drake’s amended defamation lawsuit. This motion is their response to Drake’s updated complaint, which was filed in April.
What are UMG’s Main arguments for Dismissal?
UMG’s arguments largely reiterate their initial stance, focusing on these key points:
Lack of Defamatory Content: UMG argues that the Super Bowl performance did not include the specific lyrics that Drake alleges are defamatory.
Drake’s Role in “Rap Battles”: UMG contends that Drake engages in similar creative expression and cannot claim defamation when participating in a “performative rap-battle.”
Unreliable Online Comments: UMG asserts that Drake cherry-picked anonymous online comments to support his defamation claim, stating that these comments do not reflect factual interpretations but artistic expression or hyperbole and are unreliable.
Withdrawn Allegations: UMG points out that Drake withdrew his initial allegations of UMG using bots to stream “Not Like Us.”
What Specific Actions by UMG Does Drake Claim Were Defamatory?
Drake’s amended complaint focuses on the claim that UMG knowingly promoted the song “Not Like Us” through:
Lamar’s Super Bowl appearance: Drake alleges UMG intentionally promoted the song through its inclusion in Lamar’s Super Bowl performance.
Potential Grammy Awards play: The amended complaint also cites UMG allowing the song to potentially be played at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
What is Drake’s Response to UMG’s Motion?
The article does not provide Drake’s response to UMG’s motion to dismiss.
How does UMG View Drake’s Claims?
in a statement to Variety, a UMG spokesperson responded to drake’s claims:
UMG believes Drake’s lawyers are ignoring Drake’s own history of releasing provocative songs.
UMG claims drake initiated the “exchange” with Lamar.
* UMG emphasized its continued artist support, referencing their partnership with Drake as an example of their global success for their artists.
what Has Been the Role of online Commentary in the Lawsuit?
UMG’s counsel argues that Drake “cherry-picked” anonymous online comments to support his claim, highlighting the unreliability of these comments in determining factual interpretations.
What Does UMG Say About Drake’s Claims of bots?
UMG’s counsel pointed out that Drake withdrew prior allegations that UMG paid for bots to stream “not Like Us.” They claim that Drake is now citing different sources alleging bot usage and are attempting to use them to support Drake’s amended complaint.
What is the Current Status of the Lawsuit?
Despite UMG’s motion to dismiss,the discovery process is ongoing. The court denied UMG’s request to stop the discovery process. This means Drake can still request access to UMG’s documents, including Lamar’s contracts.
Key Players and Their Positions
To summarize the key participants in this legal dispute and their respective positions based on the provided document, consult the table below:
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Drake | Plaintiff; Claims defamation by UMG is causing harm to his reputation, especially through UMG’s promotion of ”Not Like Us.” |
| UMG (Worldwide Music Group) | Defendant; Denies Drake’s claims and seeks dismissal of the lawsuit; Argues that accusations are unfounded. |
| Kendrick Lamar | Indirectly involved through his song “Not Like us,” which is at the heart of the controversy. |