Universal Music Group responds to Drake’s defamation lawsuit, calls it “illogical”
Universal Music Group (UMG) denies Drake’s defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” accusing him of pedophilia.
Filed on January 15, 2025, Drake’s lawsuit asserts that UMG promoted Lamar’s song, knowing it was based on false allegations, and that it jeopardized his safety and reputation.
In a fiery statement released on January 17, UMG vehemently denied the accusations. A spokesperson for the company argued that the lawsuit is “illogical,” emphasizing the longstanding partnership between UMG and Drake. “We have invested massively in his music and our employees have worked tirelessly to help him achieve historic commercial and financial success,” the statement read. “The notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist, let alone Drake, is illogical.”
UMG contends that Drake’s legal action is an attempt to silence creative expression and weaponize the legal system against Lamar’s artistic freedom. The label further stated that the claims of defamation are unfounded, asserting, “We have not and do not engage in defamation — against any individual.”
While Drake’s lawsuit targets UMG for promoting and distributing Lamar’s song, the company remains adamant that the dispute is rooted in the nature of rap battles, where back-and-forth diss tracks are common. UMG also emphasized that it would vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit, citing its commitment to protecting both its reputation and the creative rights of all artists involved.
The lawsuit also suggests that UMG’s promotion of Lamar’s song was part of a strategy to gain leverage in ongoing contract negotiations with Drake, whose current deal with the label is nearing its end. Despite these claims, UMG has denied any intention to devalue Drake’s profile.
As the legal battle continues to unfold, the tension between Drake, Lamar, and their shared label adds another layer to the ongoing saga in the rap world, with fans and the industry eagerly awaiting the next developments.