Home / Arts and Entertainment / Court Dismisses Drake's Lawsuit Against UMG Over "Not Like Us" Diss Track
Court Dismisses Drake's Lawsuit Against UMG Over "Not Like Us" Diss Track
9 Oct
Summary
- Judge rules "Not Like Us" does not factually claim Drake is a pedophile
- UMG denies allegations of artificially inflating the song's popularity
- Court compares rap diss tracks to forums where people can "spout off"
In a ruling published on October 9th, 2025, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas dismissed Drake's defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over the song "Not Like Us." The judge stated the track did not reasonably convey the factual allegation that Drake is a pedophile or has engaged in sexual relations with minors.
The court compared rap diss tracks to forums like YouTube and X, where people can "spout off" rather than produce fact-checked journalistic content. Judge Vargas said the "average listener is not under the impression that a diss track is the product of a thoughtful or disinterested investigation."
Additionally, the judge rejected Drake's claims that UMG tried to artificially inflate the popularity of "Not Like Us" through fake bot streams. She found his evidence, which consisted of tweets and fan reporting, insufficient to meet the legal standard.
In a statement, a UMG spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the court's dismissal, calling the lawsuit "an affront to all artists and their creative expression" that "never should have seen the light of day." The music label looks forward to continuing its successful promotion of Drake's music and investment in his career.
