TMZ reports on Wednesday, Drake has escalated his ongoing conflict with Universal Music Group (UMG), filing a federal defamation lawsuit accusing the label of perpetuating a “false and malicious narrative” that he is a pedophile.
The case, filed Wednesday in New York City, targets UMG for releasing and promoting Kendrick Lamar’s controversial diss track, “Not Like Us,” which Drake claims includes damaging and untrue allegations.
Drake alleges that UMG knowingly disseminated inflammatory lyrics and imagery from Kendrick’s song, fully aware of their harmful and baseless nature. He accuses the label of leveraging the track for financial gain, calling it a “gold mine” they exploited to devalue his brand and strengthen their position in future contract negotiations.
Drake’s lawsuit does not target Kendrick Lamar directly. Instead, it focuses solely on UMG’s role in publishing and monetizing the track. He argues that the label’s actions were motivated by an ulterior agenda, including bolstering Kendrick’s visibility ahead of his Super Bowl Halftime Show performance. By promoting “Not Like Us”, Drake claims, UMG intentionally jeopardized his reputation for its own financial interests.
The lawsuit also highlights the real-world dangers Drake says he has faced since the song’s release. He alleges that the diss track’s accusations have incited violence, pointing to multiple shootings near his Toronto mansion. One of these incidents reportedly resulted in one of his security guards being injured.
The move to file this federal case comes after Drake withdrew a separate legal action against UMG and Spotify in New York state court on Tuesday. Sources close to the artist suggest that this was a strategic decision to streamline the legal battle and concentrate efforts on the new, more comprehensive suit.
Drake’s allegations underscore his assertion that UMG prioritized profit over ethics, amplifying claims they knew to be untrue. As the case unfolds, it raises questions about the responsibility of music labels in managing and promoting controversial content.
For now, Drake remains adamant in his pursuit of accountability, determined to reclaim control over his narrative in an industry where perception is often as valuable as artistry.
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