Drake Files Defamation Lawsuit Against UMG

Drake has filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the label of spreading false narratives about him through Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us,' which alleges he is a pedophile. The lawsuit, filed in New York, claims UMG knowingly promoted the inflammatory claims for financial gain and to manipulate his brand's value ahead of future contract negotiations. It describes a campaign to create a viral hit that not only damaged his reputation but also incited threats against him, referencing a shooting incident at his home. Drake alleges that UMG engaged in unethical practices, including using bots to inflate the song's streaming numbers and participating in a payola scheme. The complaint highlights that the cover art of 'Not Like Us' features Drake's home in a derogatory manner, further exacerbating the situation. Despite the ongoing feud, Drake is not suing Kendrick Lamar directly and emphasizes that his legal action focuses solely on UMG's role in the matter.