Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group has been thrown out by a federal judge who ruled that lyrics in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” which accused Drake of pedophilia, were protected opinion. Judge Jeannette A. Vargas highlighted the extreme nature of the rap battle, stating that listeners wouldn’t interpret the song as conveying objective, factual information. “The broader context of a heated rap battle… would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that ‘Not Like Us’ imparts verifiable facts,” the judge wrote. The suit, initiated in January, alleged that UMG improperly published and promoted the track, claiming the false accusations harmed Drake’s reputation and brand value, and suggested dangerous vigilante actions. Universal Music Group, the record label for both artists, welcomed the dismissal, calling the lawsuit an “affront to all artists and their creative expression” and confirming their continued dedication to Drake’s music.
