Just when you thought that key elements removed from Drake’s lawsuit reporting was a thing, press your brakes. Drizzy’s legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) over his defamation claims regarding Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” just took a dramatic turn.
Get this: in a letter filed on February 24, Drake’s attorney, Michael J. Gottlieb, strongly opposed UMG’s request to delay the pre-trial conference scheduled for April 2. The lawsuit centers on accusations that the song, which Drake claims contains defamatory lyrics, was deliberately promoted by UMG in ways that caused significant harm to his reputation.
The heart of the dispute lies in UMG’s attempt to push back proceedings by requesting a ruling on its motion to dismiss the case due by March 17. The company argues that Drake is preparing to revise some of his allegations. Still, Gottlieb swiftly rejected this assertion, emphasizing that the lawsuit revolves around a factual issue that would not change the case’s core, even if revised.
Here’s what you should know. Gottlieb’s letter highlights the urgency of moving forward, citing Kendrick’s performance at the Super Bowl as an important factor that UMG’s delay tactics should not overshadow. His team insists that the pre-trial conference proceed as scheduled and that discovery should begin promptly. UMG, however, argues that discovery is premature given the pending motion to dismiss. Bet they do think that.
As you probably heard, the lawsuit claims that UMG has been complicit in turning “Not Like Us” into a viral sensation despite its alleged defamatory content. Drake accuses the song’s lyrics of falsely portraying him as a pedophile and inciting violent hatred against him. He further claims that UMG used unlawful methods to boost the song’s success, including manipulating streaming and radio play numbers to give it greater reach.
Here’s what’s important, at least to Drake and his supporters. The legal filings underscore the serious consequences of these actions, referencing the wave of online hate speech he has faced, which he attributes to the song’s defamatory lyrics. He also points to a shooting incident at his Toronto home shortly after the song’s release, which left a security guard injured, as well as multiple trespassing incidents that followed. According to Drake, UMG is responsible for the fallout, and any further delay will only exacerbate the harm caused.
That part.
As the legal battle continues, Drake’s team remains adamant that justice must be served without further postponement, particularly as the repercussions of UMG’s actions continue to affect his life and career.
Right to a speedy trial. That applies to civil cases too. FYI.