Drake’s authorized group is interesting the dismissal of his defamation go well with towards UMG, accusing the label of knowingly selling false “pedophile” allegations in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.”

Drake’s authorized battle with Universal music Group (UMG) has taken a brand new flip.

The Canadian famous person’s attorneys have formally filed a civil enchantment pre-argument assertion within the U.S. Court of Appeals, signaling his intent to proceed combating the dismissal of his defamation lawsuit tied to Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping hit “Not Like Us.”

According to the submitting, Drake’s authorized group claims UMG “knowingly published and promoted” Lamar’s explosive diss file, which they allege “conveys unambiguous and false factual allegations.” They really feel it was unlawful to artistically painting the Toronto native as “a criminal pedophile.”

The 2024 tune, which grew to become a viral anthem in the course of the peak of the Drake and Kendrick feud, incorporates direct references comparable to “certified pedophile” and “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young.”

The submitting additionally cites the accompanying art work and visuals as proof of defamation. The assertion alleges that the only’s launch featured an aerial picture of Drake’s Toronto mansion digitally altered with icons resembling these utilized by police to establish the houses of registered sex offenders.

Drake and his group allege UMG doubled down by publishing the official music video, which Drake’s group says “reinforces the accusation that Drake is a criminal pedophile who should be incarcerated” by way of imagery related to sex trafficking.

Drake’s legal professionals assert that UMG acted with “malicious intent,” emphasizing that the label had monetary and strategic motives to push the observe regardless of understanding its claims had been false.

The submitting states UMG sought to “prove its worth” to Lamar, who was reportedly on a short-term unique contract on the time, whereas permitting Drake’s personal take care of the corporate to run out with out renegotiation.

The rapper’s group argues that UMG’s actions went past regular creative expression, resulting in “violent attacks” at Drake’s Toronto residence and “threats against his family.”

The doc additionally states Drake tried to inform UMG of the escalating hurt, however the label “continued to promote the work because it stood to greatly profit.”

Drake’s lawsuit was initially dismissed earlier this yr, however his enchantment seeks to revive the case.

The pre-argument assertion, filed this week, solely outlines a part of what his attorneys plan to argue earlier than the appellate court docket.

Neither UMG nor Kendrick Lamar has publicly commented on the enchantment. As the case progresses, it might set up a big precedent concerning accountability in music promotion, notably in rap battles.

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