Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” has been dismissed by a federal court. On October 9, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled that the statements in question constitute “nonactionable opinion.” This judgment effectively defends artistic expression in the realm of music.
Details of the Lawsuit
Drake filed the lawsuit in January 2023. He claimed that “Not Like Us” aimed to portray him as a “criminal pedophile,” which he asserted was a false and damaging allegation. Interestingly, Drake chose to sue UMG instead of Lamar directly, suggesting that the label had manipulated the song’s rise to fame. He accused UMG of employing strategies to turn “Not Like Us” into a hit, potentially including fake bot streams.
Court Ruling Insights
Judge Vargas examined whether “Not Like Us” could be reasonably interpreted as factual in accusing Drake of pedophilia. She concluded it could not. In her ruling, she likened rap diss tracks to informal platforms where expressive opinions are common, distinguishing them from journalistic reporting.
- Judge Vargas highlighted the context of a rap battle, where “caustic insults and accusations” are exchanged.
- She referenced Drake’s previous track, “Taylor Made Freestyle,” which contains allusions to similar themes.
- The judge ruled that Drake failed to substantiate his claims about UMG inflating the song’s popularity. His evidence was primarily based on individual tweets and fan reports, which were deemed insufficient by the court.
UMG’s Response
A representative from UMG expressed satisfaction with the court’s dismissal, stating that the lawsuit was never justified and posed a threat to artistic expression. The spokesperson emphasized their commitment to supporting Drake’s music career moving forward.
Conclusion
This legal battle underscores the complexities of artistic freedom and defamation in the music industry. The dismissal is seen as a crucial victory for creative expression, particularly in the realm of rap music.
