Drake's defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group thrown out

Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group has officially been dismissed, after a judge stated that the record label can't be held responsible for defamation for promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track 'Not Like Us'.

United States district judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the song expressed "non-actionable opinion," meaning it can't be considered defamatory.

“The issue in this case is whether 'Not Like Us' can reasonably be understood to convey as a factual matter that Drake is a pedophile or that he has engaged in sexual relations with minors,” the judgment states.

“In light of the overall context in which the statements in the recording were made, the court holds that it cannot.”

Earlier this year, Drake claimed that UMG's distribution of Lamar’s song helped damage his reputation.

Additionally, he said that the company made secret payments and discounted licensing deals to promote 'Not Like Us' and to harm Drake in future contract agreements.

A spokesperson for the Canadian artist said that Drake intends to appeal.

Both rappers are signed to separate labels under the UMG umbrella.

In March, the company filed to have the motion dismissed, claiming that Drake “lost a rap battle that he provoked and in which he willingly participated."

“Instead of accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be, he has sued his own record label in a misguided attempt to salve his wounds,” they said in a statement.

“Plaintiff’s complaint is utterly without merit and should be dismissed with prejudice.”

'Not Like Us' won Lamar five Grammy awards, including record of the year and song of the year.

The artist performed the diss track at the 2025 Super Bowl.