NewsFinale
  • Home
  • News
  • Local News
  • Business
  • Health
  • Finance
  • Celeb Lifestyle
  • Crime
  • Entertainment
  • Advertise Here
Gleammour AquaFresh
NewsFinale
  • Home
  • News
  • Local News
  • Business
  • Health
  • Finance
  • Celeb Lifestyle
  • Crime
  • Entertainment
  • Advertise Here
Home Local News Court Dismisses Drake’s Defamation Suit Against Universal Music in Kendrick Lamar Dispute

Court Dismisses Drake’s Defamation Suit Against Universal Music in Kendrick Lamar Dispute

Judge tosses Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music over rap beef with Kendrick Lamar
Up next
'Mike's a legend': Mike Evans' childhood friends reflect on his upbringing in Galveston
'Mike's a legend': Mike Evans' childhood friends reflect on his upbringing in Galveston
Published on 09 October 2025
Author
NewsFinale Journal
Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp


NEW YORK – A federal judge tossed out a defamation lawsuit that Drake brought against Universal Music Group on Thursday, ruling that lyrics branding the superstar as a pedophile in Kendrick Lamar’s dis track “Not Like Us” were opinion.

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas rejected the suit in a written opinion that began by citing “the vitriolic war of words” and saying the case arose “from perhaps the most infamous rap battle in the genre’s history.”

She said a reasonable listener could not have concluded that “Not Like Us” was conveying objective facts about Drake.

“Although the accusation that Plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that “Not Like Us” imparts verifiable facts about Plaintiff,” Vargas wrote.

Filed in January, the lawsuit alleged that UMG published and promoted the track even though it included false pedophilia allegations against Drake and suggested listeners should resort to vigilante justice.

The lawsuit also alleged that the track tarnished his reputation and decreased the value of his brand.

Universal Music Group, the parent record label for both artists, denied the allegations.

“From the outset, this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day,” UMG said in a statement. “We’re pleased with the court’s dismissal and look forward to continuing our work successfully promoting Drake’s music and investing in his career.”

Lamar was not named in the lawsuit.

There was no immediate response to mails sent to representatives for Drake seeking comment.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp
You May Also Like
Israel and Hamas to free hostages and prisoners after agreeing to first phase of Trump's peace plan
  • Local News

Israel and Hamas Reach Agreement on Initial Step of Trump’s Peace Plan to Release Hostages and Prisoners

TEL AVIV – Israel and Hamas agreed to pause fighting in Gaza…
  • NewsFinale Journal
  • October 9, 2025
Washington County, Tennessee man facing child sex crime charges
  • Local News

Johnson City Couple Arrested for Child Abuse and Neglect

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — Two individuals wanted for aggravated child abuse and…
  • NewsFinale Journal
  • October 9, 2025
Judge blocks National Guard deployment in Illinois for 2 weeks
  • Local News

Judge blocks National Guard deployment in Illinois for 2 weeks

A judge on Thursday blocked the deployment of National Guard troops in…
  • NewsFinale Journal
  • October 10, 2025
St. Petersburg to vote on flags for LGBTQ+ and Black communities after DeSantis erases murals
  • Local News

St. Petersburg Considers New Flags for LGBTQ+ and Black Communities Following DeSantis’ Removal of Murals

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Florida city of St. Petersburg, long a…
  • NewsFinale Journal
  • October 9, 2025
Vermilion Advantage announces departure of President, CEO amid State Police investigation
  • Local News

Vermilion Advantage President and CEO steps down amid State Police investigation

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Vermilion Advantage announced the departure of its President…
  • NewsFinale Journal
  • October 9, 2025
Beautiful Lives Project takes it to the court at EIU
  • Local News

Beautiful Lives Project Makes a Grand Entrance at EIU Basketball Court

CHARLESTON, Ill (WCIA) – Bryce Weiler has never let his disability get…
  • NewsFinale Journal
  • October 10, 2025
Trump to undergo medical check-up on Friday
  • Local News

Trump Scheduled for Friday Health Examination

(The Hill) – President Trump will undergo a medical exam on Friday…
  • NewsFinale Journal
  • October 9, 2025
Community Corner: Elevate Savannah to host  third annual Leadership Awards Dinner
  • Local News

Community Corner: Third Annual Leadership Awards Dinner Hosted by Elevate Savannah

Savannah, GA ()– Its mission is to build long-term, life changing relationships…
  • NewsFinale Journal
  • October 9, 2025
Liverpool Confidential Q&A special: LEWIS STEELE reveals Reds' transfer plans - the latest on moves for Michael Olise, Adam Wharton and Antoine Semenyo, an update on Marc Guehi, Arne Slot's new deal and what's going on with Federico Chiesa?
  • Sport

Liverpool Exclusive Q&A: LEWIS STEELE Shares the Reds’ Transfer Strategies – Updates on Targets Michael Olise, Adam Wharton, and Antoine Semenyo, News on Marc Guehi, Arne Slot’s Contract, and the Situation with Federico Chiesa

It has been a week of doom and gloom for Liverpool –…
  • NewsFinale Journal
  • October 10, 2025
5 Ways Peacemaker Season 2 Sets Up James Gunn's DC Universe
  • Movies

5 Ways Peacemaker Season 2 Lays the Groundwork for James Gunn’s DC Universe

Curtis Bonds…
  • NewsFinale Journal
  • October 10, 2025
Malcolm Mitchell, Coy Bowles co-author book, Georgia Pre-K students get it free
  • Local News

Malcolm Mitchell and Coy Bowles Team Up on Children’s Book, Free for Georgia Pre-K Students

AUGUSTA, Ga ()- This week, the Georgia Department of Early Care and…
  • NewsFinale Journal
  • October 10, 2025
Beautiful Lives Project takes it to the court at EIU
  • Local News

Beautiful Lives Project Makes a Grand Entrance at EIU Basketball Court

CHARLESTON, Ill (WCIA) – Bryce Weiler has never let his disability get…
  • NewsFinale Journal
  • October 10, 2025
NewsFinale Journal
  • Home
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Sitemap
  • DMCA
  • Advertise Here
  • Donate