Drake’s Label, Universal Music Group, Files Second Motion To Dismiss Defamation Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

Drake, Kendrick Lamar

Drake’s Label, Universal Music Group, Files Second Motion To Dismiss Defamation Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a second motion to dismiss Drake’s defamation lawsuit.

In January, Drake sued UMG over Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us,” claiming the label promoted defamatory lyrics about him, specifically referring to Drake and his associates as “certified pedophiles.”

In March, UMG filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Then, in April, Drake amended his complaint to include more recent events, such as Lamar’s Super Bowl performance and the song being featured at the 2025 Grammys.

 

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On May 8, UMG filed a second motion to dismiss, stating that Drake’s amended complaint “removed obviously false factual allegations,” noting that Lamar’s Super Bowl performance didn’t feature the alleged defamatory lyric. They also suggested that Drake’s renewed claims were more of an attack on Lamar’s success than the lyrics themselves, calling the new allegations “astonishing.”

A UMG spokesperson also told Variety,

“Drake’s lawyers can keep seeking to ‘uncover’ evidence of wild conspiracies… but there is nothing to ‘uncover.’”

They also pointed out that Drake’s own success with the label proves their support for artists’ creative expression.

Do you agree with UMG? Share your thoughts below.

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