*Drake has intensified his legal battle against Universal Music Group (UMG), citing Kendrick Lamar‘s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance as new evidence in his defamation lawsuit.
According to recently amended court documents obtained by TMZ, the rapper argues that Kendrick’s hit “Not Like Us” damaged his reputation, particularly noting that the word “pedophile” was removed from the performance version of the song. Drake claims the lyric change is significant, stating, “that is because nearly everyone understands that it is defamatory to falsely brand someone a ‘certified pedophile.’”
He further argues that Kendrick’s Super Bowl show, the most-watched halftime performance in history, introduced the track to a massive audience and “duped” many into believing the damaging implication.
Meanwhile, UMG is pushing back hard. In a statement to TMZ, a spokesperson criticized Drake’s legal team, saying the artist “is being misled by his legal representatives into taking one absurd legal step after another.”
They referenced two prior lawsuits filed by Drake—one in Texas, quietly dropped after a loud launch, and another in New York, recently amended due to fears of court sanctions for “false allegations.”
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They added … “Both the Texas and New York proceedings are an affront to all artists and creative expression. Should his legal representatives senselessly keep the New York lawsuit alive, we will demonstrate that all remaining claims are without merit.
UMG warned that the defamation case could backfire, with the spokesperson stating, “Drake will personally be subject to discovery as well. As the old saying goes, ‘be careful what you wish for.’” They labeled the lawsuits both “shameful” and “frivolous.”
The label maintains the claims have no legal standing, while Drake is doubling down, insisting the lyrics and the massive stage they were delivered on have caused significant reputational harm.
Drake’s Team Responds To UMG’s Statement Regarding His Amended Complaint:
“UMG’s latest statement is a desperate attempt to spin the narrative and deflect from the truth: Drake is holding the largest music conglomerate in the world accountable for its actions and doing so without fear.
We dismissed the Texas discovery action because discovery will now proceed in New York. That’s not retreat, that’s victory. UMG dismissed its first amendment petition in Texas because it has no claim, that’s losing. And UMG knows the case against it is only getting stronger.
Drake welcomes discovery and has nothing to hide. It’s not Drake who should worry; it’s UMG’s current leadership. We look forward to hearing from Lucian Grainge, John Janick, and UMG employees under oath.
UMG claims to stand for creativity, but in fact exploits it and the artist community knows that. UMG drains artists for its profits, then discards them. Drake joins a growing chorus of artists raising questions about UMG’s leadership. The public and artists should be concerned about recent headlines involving UMG’s largest stakeholder that only reinforces the need for transparency all the way up to the Board of Director’s level.
UMG said, ‘be careful what you ask for,’ Drake knows exactly what he asked for: the truth and accountability.”
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