In a dramatic turn of events, Drake has intensified his legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG), expanding his defamation lawsuit to include Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance.
The dispute stems from Lamar’s Grammy-winning diss track “Not Like Us,” which Drake claims falsely insinuates he is a pedophile, a claim he argues has caused real-world harm and reputational damage.
Background: A Decade-Long Feud Reignited
The longstanding rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has escalated into a legal confrontation. In January 2025, Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” contained defamatory content suggesting he is a pedophile.
Moreover, the song, released shortly after Drake’s diss track “Family Matters,” gained significant attention and won multiple Grammy Awards, including Record and Song of the Year.
Super Bowl Performance Sparks Legal Action
Drake has amended his lawsuit to include Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us” during the Super Bowl halftime show, which attracted over 133 million viewers. Although Lamar omitted the explicit term “pedophile” during the performance, Drake’s legal team argues that the insinuations remained clear and damaging. They claim that UMG orchestrated and promoted the performance to amplify the defamatory content, thereby harming Drake’s reputation.
Allegations of Personal Harm and Harassment
Drake asserts that the fallout from “Not Like Us” has led to real-world consequences, including a shooting and break-ins at his Toronto residence. He also reports increased online harassment and threats directed at his family.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that UMG prioritized profits over the safety and well-being of its artists by promoting content that incited such incidents.
UMG’s Response and Defense
Universal Music Group has dismissed Drake’s claims as baseless, emphasizing their long-standing investment in his career. UMG contends that they have worked diligently to support Drake’s success and that the lawsuit is an attempt to suppress artistic expression. They argue that the legal action undermines the creative freedom that is fundamental to the music industry.
Broader Implications for the Music Industry
This legal battle highlights the tension between artistic freedom and personal reputation in the music industry. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how diss tracks and other forms of artistic expression are treated under defamation law.
Moreover, as the proceedings continue, artists, record labels, and legal experts alike are closely monitoring the developments.