Drake has expanded his lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us, alleging that he was defamed byLamar’s half–time performanceat the 2025 Super Bowl.With lyrics including “SayDrake, I hear you like ’em young … certified lover boy? Certified paedophile,” Lamar’s track was one of a number of diss tracks issued by the rappers against each other in spring 2024. Not Like Us became the most commercially successful, reaching No 1 in the US and UK, and it also won Lamar five Grammy awards including record and song of the year.In JanuaryDrake sued UMG, the label that he and Lamar share, over the song, alleging UMG “approved, published and launched a campaign to create a viral hit out of a rap track” that was “intended to convey the specific, unmistakable, and false factual allegation that Drake is a criminal paedophile, and to suggest that the public should resort to vigilante justice in response”. UMG argued the case was “utterly without merit” and called for it to be dismissed.Drake’s legal team have now amended the lawsuit with new allegations, claiming that the Super Bowl performance, which was the most-watched half-time show ever, “further solidified the public’s belief in the truth of the allegations against Drake … Not only did streams of the recording increase significantly following these two mega-cultural events, but threats against Drake and his family did as well.”Lamar omitted the words “certified paedophile” from the performance, but included the “I hear you like ’em young” line, delivered while staring into the camera in a moment that was widely shared on social media. The omission was made, the lawsuit claims, because “everyone understands that it is defamatory to falsely brand someone a ‘certified paedophile’”. Lamar is not being sued by Drake, only UMG.UMG responded to the amendments by saying: “Drake, unquestionably one of the world’s most accomplished artists and with whom we’ve enjoyed a 16-year successful relationship, is being misled by his legal representatives into taking one absurd legal step after another.”Drake secured a small victory in the ongoing case earlier this month, when a judge allowed his team to access certain UMG documents as they built their case, a process known as “discovery” which UMG had attempted to block.Alongside their statement about the amendments, UMG addressed that decision, saying: “Drake will personally be subject to discovery as well. As the old saying goes, ‘be careful what you wish for’.”Drake’s team then responded in kind, saying: “Drake knows exactly what he asked for: the truth and accountability.”Elsewhere at the Super Bowl show, Serena Williams – who reportedly once dated Drake – danced on stage to Not Like Us, an appearance which was perceived by some viewers as mocking Drake. Asked by Time magazine this week whether that was the case, Williams said: “Absolutely not. I would never do that. And that was sad, that anyone would ever think that. I respect how they could … But absolutely not. I have never had negative feelings towards him. We’ve known him for so many years.”Drake and Lamar are also currently locked in another battle, for the top of the US singles chart. Lamar’s track Luther, featuring SZA, has been at No 1 for eight weeks, but Drake’s track Nokia has returned to the No 2 spot this week.
Drake expands lawsuit against Universal Music Group, alleging defamation at Super Bowl
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Drake Expands Defamation Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group Following Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Performance"
The Guardian
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Drake has intensified his legal battle against Universal Music Group (UMG) by expanding his lawsuit to include allegations of defamation stemming from Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance at the 2025 Super Bowl. The controversy centers around Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us,' which features inflammatory lyrics that insinuate Drake is a 'certified paedophile.' This track, released during a wave of diss tracks exchanged between the two rappers in spring 2024, achieved significant commercial success, topping charts in both the US and UK and earning five Grammy awards, including record and song of the year. In his initial lawsuit filed in January, Drake accused UMG of promoting a track that contained false allegations against him, which he claims implied that the public should take vigilante action against him. UMG has dismissed the claims as baseless and is seeking to have the case thrown out of court.
In the latest developments, Drake's legal team amended the lawsuit to highlight Lamar's Super Bowl performance, which they argue has exacerbated public perception regarding the allegations against Drake. Although Lamar refrained from using the term 'certified paedophile' during the performance, he did deliver the line, 'I hear you like ’em young,' while engaging directly with the camera, which went viral on social media. This incident, according to Drake's attorneys, has led to increased streaming of the track and heightened threats against Drake and his family. UMG has responded to the amended lawsuit by suggesting that Drake is being misled by his legal team and has indicated that Drake himself will also be subject to discovery, hinting at the potential repercussions of the lawsuit. Amidst these tensions, both artists are also competing for the top position on the US singles chart, with Lamar currently holding the No. 1 spot with 'Luther,' while Drake's 'Nokia' is at No. 2.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news article highlights Drake's expansion of his lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) following Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance. The legal action stems from allegations of defamation linked to a diss track that includes controversial lyrics about Drake. The article reflects on the cultural dynamics in the music industry and how public perceptions can be influenced by such high-profile events.
Legal Implications and Public Perception
Drake's lawsuit against UMG is significant as it raises questions about artist rights and the responsibilities of music labels in managing content that could be defamatory. The lyrics in Lamar's track, especially the phrase "certified paedophile," have stirred public outrage and concern. By expanding the lawsuit to include the Super Bowl performance, Drake aims to emphasize how such events can amplify harmful narratives and impact public opinion. This suggests that there is an ongoing battle over how artists' reputations are managed in the era of social media and instant information dissemination.
Cultural Context and Impact
The timing of this lawsuit is crucial, as the Super Bowl is one of the most-watched events globally. Lamar's performance and the subsequent increase in streams of "Not Like Us" illustrate how cultural moments can shape narratives. The article implies that Drake's legal strategy may be an attempt to reclaim his narrative in a highly publicized feud, particularly in light of the threats against him and his family that have reportedly increased since these events.
Media Strategy and Industry Dynamics
UMG's response to the lawsuit indicates a defensive stance, arguing that the case lacks merit. This reflects the broader dynamics of the music industry, where labels must balance the commercial interests of their artists with the legal implications of their work. By framing the lawsuit in terms of defamation and public safety, Drake's team is attempting to transform a personal grievance into a larger conversation about artist accountability and social responsibility.
Broader Implications for Society
This situation could influence societal views on defamation and accountability in the entertainment industry, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of how artists express themselves. The discourse around the lawsuit may resonate beyond music, touching on themes of celebrity culture, privacy, and the consequences of public perception in the digital age. If the lawsuit garners significant media attention, it could also affect public discourse and legislation regarding defamation in the arts. In terms of community support, this news may resonate more with fans of hip-hop and those who are concerned about the implications of lyrical content and public image. It targets audiences who are engaged in discussions about celebrity culture and the responsibilities of artists. Regarding economic implications, the outcome of this lawsuit could impact UMG's stock performance and the broader music industry. If the case highlights significant legal precedents, it may lead to changes in how labels handle similar situations in the future. The article does not specifically indicate a direct connection to larger geopolitical concerns but reflects ongoing cultural conversations relevant to today's media landscape. Given the nature of the claims and the emotional weight of the allegations, the article may have been influenced by AI tools in terms of clarity and structure. However, it remains unclear which specific AI models were utilized, if any, as the writing style appears standard for legal reporting. The article serves to inform readers of the ongoing legal battle while potentially shaping public perception of Drake and Lamar. It raises awareness of defamation issues in the music industry, making it a significant point of discussion for fans and legal analysts alike. Overall, the reliability of the news seems high, as it presents factual information about the lawsuit and the context surrounding it. However, the sensational nature of the allegations could be seen as manipulative if it aims to provoke stronger public emotions against either party involved.