Drake has filed a second legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the label of defamation and alleging it could have prevented the release of Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us,” which he claims falsely labels him a “certified pedophile” and “predator.” The filing, submitted in Texas court on Monday, also accuses UMG of orchestrating a campaign to boost the song’s reach despite knowing its damaging content.
Drake’s lawyers argue that UMG had the power to halt the release of the song or demand edits to remove the defamatory claims but instead chose to distribute and promote it aggressively. The filing alleges that UMG implemented a “pay-to-play scheme,” funneling payments to iHeartRadio to secure widespread radio airplay for Lamar’s track, aiming to maximize profits at Drake’s expense.
The legal action seeks depositions from key UMG and iHeartRadio figures to gather evidence that could support future claims for defamation, civil fraud, and racketeering. Drake contends that UMG intentionally capitalized on the controversy to drive revenue, describing the move as a calculated effort to harm his reputation and businesses.
UMG has denied the allegations, calling them “offensive and untrue,” and insists it operates with the highest ethical standards in its marketing practices. Lamar, who has engaged in a public lyrical feud with Drake this year, is not named as a respondent in the filing and is not accused of any wrongdoing.
This filing follows a similar pre-action petition Drake filed in New York, accusing UMG of using Spotify to artificially inflate the popularity of “Not Like Us.” The legal actions mark an intensification of Drake’s feud with both Lamar and his long-time label, which has managed his career since its inception.
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