A federal judge in the United States dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Toronto rapper Drake against Universal Music Group (UMG) regarding Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us.” The judge ruled that the contentious lyrics in the diss track were considered expressions of opinion.
Judge Jeannette A. Vargas issued a written opinion on Thursday, rejecting Drake’s lawsuit. The legal action, filed in January, claimed that UMG endorsed Lamar’s song, which allegedly contained false accusations of pedophilia against Drake and hinted at taking matters into one’s own hands.
The lawsuit did not mention Lamar as a defendant. Despite Drake’s allegations, Universal Music Group, the parent company of both artists, refuted the claims.
According to the lawsuit, the song led to a violent incident at Drake’s residence in Toronto, damaged his reputation, and devalued his brand.