In a stunning escalation of legal battles, Drake has intensified his lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) by adding allegations centered on Kendrick Lamar’s controversial Super Bowl performance. The newly amended complaint, filed just yesterday, claims that UMG knowingly perpetuated defamatory narratives against Drake through Lamar’s incendiary track “Not Like Us,” which gained massive attention during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
The amended lawsuit asserts that UMG, fully aware of the damage inflicted by Lamar’s lyrics, actively promoted the song, which suggests that Drake is a criminal. The case now highlights the high-stakes environment surrounding the song’s release, which has reportedly been streamed over 1.4 billion times and has sparked rampant public speculation about Drake’s character. The lawsuit claims that UMG’s actions have not only bolstered the perception of Drake as a criminal but have also incited violence against him, with threats emerging in the wake of Lamar’s performance.
Drake’s team argues that UMG is guilty of “defamation for profit,” alleging that the label leveraged its promotional power to maximize the song’s reach, ultimately placing Drake’s reputation in jeopardy. They contend that UMG’s financial investments and promotional strategies directly contributed to the song’s viral success, which they claim has led to a widespread belief in the defamatory assertions made against Drake.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the timing of the filing, as UMG now faces a two-week deadline to respond. The implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, as public sentiment around the allegations continues to swirl, fueled by social media and viral commentary. Each passing day adds to the pressure, with Drake’s reputation hanging in the balance as the legal saga unfolds.
As the drama intensifies, UMG has issued a counter-response, dismissing Drake’s claims as baseless and warning him of the potential consequences of his legal maneuvers. This ongoing feud not only highlights the contentious nature of celebrity culture but also raises critical questions about the impact of music and media on public perception and individual reputations.
With both sides now gearing up for what promises to be a high-profile legal showdown, the stakes have never been higher. If Drake’s allegations hold weight, the fallout could reverberate through the music industry, impacting artist relationships and the dynamics of creative expression. As we await UMG’s response, the world watches closely, anticipating the next chapter in this unfolding drama.