What's happened
Drake has amended his lawsuit against Universal Music Group, alleging defamation stemming from Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance of 'Not Like Us.' The lawsuit claims the performance solidified public belief in false allegations against Drake, leading to threats against him and his family. UMG continues to deny the allegations.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points of the Lawsuit
- Defamation Claims: Drake's lawsuit argues that Lamar's performance at the Super Bowl, viewed by over 133 million people, perpetuated defamatory allegations against him.
- UMG's Role: The suit alleges that Universal Music Group facilitated the performance and promoted the track, despite its harmful content.
- Public Impact: The lawsuit highlights increased threats against Drake following the performance, indicating a tangible impact on his safety and reputation.
Broader Implications
- Industry Accountability: This case raises questions about the responsibilities of record labels in managing artist disputes and the content they promote.
- Cultural Context: The ongoing feud reflects deeper issues within the hip-hop community regarding rivalry and public perception, particularly in the age of social media.
- Future Outcomes: Depending on the court's ruling, this case could set a precedent for how defamation cases are handled in the music industry, especially concerning public performances.
What the papers say
According to Ben Beaumont-Thomas in The Guardian, Drake's amended lawsuit claims that Lamar's Super Bowl performance 'further solidified the public’s belief in the truth of the allegations against Drake.' Meanwhile, The Independent reports that UMG denies the allegations, stating that Drake is being misled by his legal team. AP News adds that the lawsuit also cites threats against Drake's family as a consequence of the public's reaction to the performance. This multifaceted coverage illustrates the tension between artistic expression and personal safety in the music industry.
How we got here
Drake initially sued UMG in January 2025 over Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us,' claiming it falsely branded him a criminal. The feud between the two artists has escalated since 2013, culminating in public diss tracks and significant media attention.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this lawsuit for the music industry?
- How has the public reacted to the allegations?
- What are the next steps in the legal proceedings?
Common question
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What Are the Latest Legal Battles Involving Trump and Drake?
As high-profile celebrities like former President Trump and rapper Drake find themselves embroiled in significant legal disputes, many are left wondering about the implications of these cases. Trump's pro bono legal strategy and Drake's defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group raise questions about celebrity culture, legal ethics, and the impact of public perception. Here are some common questions people are asking about these ongoing legal battles.
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Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Since his debut into the mainstream with Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, Lamar has been regarded as one of the most influential artists of his generation, and one of the greatest rap
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Universal Music Group is an American global music corporation that is majority owned by the French media conglomerate Vivendi, with Chinese tech company Tencent owning a minority stake.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Aubrey Drake Graham is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. A prominent figure in popular music, Drake is widely credited for popularizing the Toronto sound to the music industry.