Drake Simone Joyner/Getty Images Share on Facebook Share on X Share to Flipboard Send an Email Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Print the Article Post a Comment Universal Music Group will not have to face lawsuit from Drake, who accused the record company of defamation over its distribution and promotion of Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us." Dismissing the case, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas found on Thursday that Lamar's diss track advances "nonactionable opinion" that can't be considered defamatory. Lamar (Interscope Records) and Drake (Republic Records) are represented by two different labels in the UMG system. Their rap battle turned to court earlier this year when the Toronto rapper claimed that UMG, which oversaw the distribution of "Not Like Us," spread defamatory allegations that he's a pedophile by making secret payments and offering reduced licensing rates to third parties to promote the song, with the goal of devaluing his music and brand amid contract negotiations. Drake and UMG didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is available. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up Super Bowl 2026 Turning Point USA Sets "All American" Super Bowl Halftime Show music Mark Mothersbaugh to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Infinity Festival (Exclusive) nba Prime Sports Taps Common For NBA Theme Song The Life of a Showgirl Taylor Swift Says 'Life of a Showgirl' Has "Absolutely Been the Most Joyful Album Release" on 'Late Night' Takeover Kiss Gene Simmons Is "Fine and Back to Work" After Car Accident Taylor Swift Taylor Swift's 'Life of a Showgirl' Dethrones Adele for Biggest Album Sales Week in Streaming Era Super Bowl 2026 Turning Point USA Sets "All American" Super Bowl Halftime Show music Mark Mothersbaugh to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Infinity Festival (Exclusive) nba Prime Sports Taps Common For NBA Theme Song The Life of a Showgirl Taylor Swift Says 'Life of a Showgirl' Has "Absolutely Been the Most Joyful Album Release" on 'Late Night' Takeover Kiss Gene Simmons Is "Fine and Back to Work" After Car Accident Taylor Swift Taylor Swift's 'Life of a Showgirl' Dethrones Adele for Biggest Album Sales Week in Streaming Era