judge dismisses Drake‘s Defamation Suit Against Universal Music group
A federal judge has dismissed Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music group (UMG) alleging defamation related to the promotion of Kendrick Lamar‘s diss track, “not Like Us.” The ruling, delivered on Thursday, October 9, effectively ends the legal battle initiated by the rapper.
Judge Jeannette A.Vargas of the U.S. District Court persistent that the song constitutes a series of opinions, not factual allegations, and that a reasonable listener would understand it in this very way. “Even though the accusation that Plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that ‘Not Like Us’ imparts verifiable facts about Plaintiff,” Judge Vargas wrote in her decision.
Drake’s suit also connected the song’s popularity to security concerns at his Toronto home, including attempted break-ins and a shooting of a security guard. He further argued that the single’s artwork-an aerial view of his mansion overlaid with markers seemingly indicating numerous sex offenders-was damaging. The judge, however, found the image “obviously exaggerated and doctored,” stating, “No reasonable person would view the image and believe that in fact law enforcement had designated thirteen residents in Drake’s home as sex offenders.”
Drake’s legal team has stated their intention to appeal the ruling, saying they “look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing it.” UMG released a statement following the dismissal, calling the lawsuit “an affront to all artists and their creative expression” and expressing their satisfaction with the outcome, adding they will continue to “successfully promoting Drake’s music and investing in his career.”
