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Drake and his legal team vowed to appeal the verdict in their lawsuit against Universal Music Group. And the Grammy winner has made good on his promise.
Drake Files Appeal Against UMG
According to a new report from Variety, Drake and his legal team submitted a notice of appeal on Wednesday (October 29).
“This confirms our intent to appeal, and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing that filing in the coming weeks,” a representative for the rap star said in a statement to the outlet.
Drake’s lawsuit against the music label stems from Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 hit, Not Like Us.
After the song remained atop the music charts for most of the year, Drake took legal action. The rap star brought several companies into the litigation and accused them of defamation. After he alleged that they conspired to execute a mass promotion of the song. Particularly the lyric where he is referred to as a “certified pedo**ile”
However, in Judge District Judge Jeannette Vargas, she ruled that Kendrick’s song could not be considered defamatory. Noting that the record was more of a “non-actionable opinion” than anything else.
“The fact that the Recording was made in the midst of a rap battle is essential to assessing its impact on a reasonable listener,” Vargas wrote in her ruling (via Variety). “Even apparent statements of fact may assume the character of statements of opinion. When made in public debate, heated labor dispute, or other circumstances in which an audience may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric, or hyperbole.”
The next steps for Drake and his legal team are to provide the courts with a list of arguments. On which their appeal is based. That will come in a filing at a later date.
The feud between Kendrick and Drake doesn’t appear to be ending any time soon. Stay tuned for more updates.
