Drake Files Formal Notice of Appeal in Defamation Lawsuit Against UMG, Vowing to Revisit "Non-Actionable Opinion" on Kendrick Lamar's Grammy-Winning Diss Track.
In a move that sets the stage for an anticipated showdown at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, rapper Drake has formally submitted his notice of appeal following a federal judge's dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar's Grammy-winning diss track "Not Like Us".
Citing the judge's ruling as a flawed interpretation of fact and context, Drake's team intends to challenge the decision that deemed the lyrics in question - including the infamous line accusing him of being a "certified pedophile" - as non-actionable opinions rather than defamatory statements.
The lawsuit, filed by Drake last January, claimed UMG was aware the track contained false and damaging allegations about his personal life when it released it. The label denied these allegations in its response to the suit, stating that the song's message was meant to be a creative expression and not based on verifiable facts.
However, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ultimately ruled that UMG was protected by free speech principles and couldn't be held liable for the track's content. Her decision stated that listeners wouldn't interpret "Not Like Us" as fact-checked statements but rather as part of an extended rap battle where artists exchange provocative insults.
In response to the ruling, Drake vowed to appeal immediately. His notice of appeal requests that the Second Circuit Court of Appeals review the case and potentially overturn Judge Vargas' decision. With his team now formally lodging their appeal, it remains to be seen how this drama will unfold in the coming weeks.
In a move that sets the stage for an anticipated showdown at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, rapper Drake has formally submitted his notice of appeal following a federal judge's dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar's Grammy-winning diss track "Not Like Us".
Citing the judge's ruling as a flawed interpretation of fact and context, Drake's team intends to challenge the decision that deemed the lyrics in question - including the infamous line accusing him of being a "certified pedophile" - as non-actionable opinions rather than defamatory statements.
The lawsuit, filed by Drake last January, claimed UMG was aware the track contained false and damaging allegations about his personal life when it released it. The label denied these allegations in its response to the suit, stating that the song's message was meant to be a creative expression and not based on verifiable facts.
However, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ultimately ruled that UMG was protected by free speech principles and couldn't be held liable for the track's content. Her decision stated that listeners wouldn't interpret "Not Like Us" as fact-checked statements but rather as part of an extended rap battle where artists exchange provocative insults.
In response to the ruling, Drake vowed to appeal immediately. His notice of appeal requests that the Second Circuit Court of Appeals review the case and potentially overturn Judge Vargas' decision. With his team now formally lodging their appeal, it remains to be seen how this drama will unfold in the coming weeks.
. I mean, Drake's always been a bit thin-skinned when it comes to criticism, and now he's trying to take on UMG over some lines that are basically just lyrics from a diss track? 
Like, come on, if you can't handle the heat, stay out of the rap game, right?
. And honestly, if anyone gets dragged through the mud in this situation, it's probably going to be him - his reputation is already a bit... dodgy 
.
Music industry drama is back and it's about to get messy 
"The truth will come out, and what's truth? Nothing but lies will do." - Bob Dylan 
what's goin on here?! Like, I get why Drake is all upset about Kendrick's track - that line was LOW 
. But come on, fam... if UMG is sayin' it's just a creative expression, shouldn't Drake be takin' the high road? 
. I'm low-key curious to see how this all plays out in court. Can we get some tea on what really went down between these two?! 
. On one hand, I feel like Drake is totally justified in appealing the ruling. Those lyrics from "Not Like Us" were really low 
. I mean, who tries to diss someone with a line that's basically claiming they're a pedophile? No wonder he thinks UMG was liable for defamation. But at the same time, I get where Kendrick is coming from too 
is that UMG is essentially claiming they can just throw shade at someone without worrying about consequences. That's not cool, man 
.
... the line "certified pedophile" is straight up hate speech and it's not okay that UMG just kinda brushed it off as a non-actionable opinion 
... but hey I guess we'll see what the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has to say about it 
Like, I get that Drake's hurt and all, but a diss track is just a diss track, you know? 
Kendrick Lamar was trying to roast him, not harm someone's reputation for real. And honestly, the line about being a "certified pedophile" is pretty bold, even if it is meant to be an opinion... 
and we all know why - that infamous diss track from Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" was LOW 
. I mean, who speaks to someone like that? 
#JusticeForDrake #UMGvsDrake #KendrickLamar #NotLikeUs
In my humble opinion, the judge totally misread the situation. I mean, come on, "certified pedophile" is NOT an opinion, that's straight-up hate speech 
! And let's be real, anyone who listens to that track is gonna think it's fact, not just some hot mess of a rap battle 
. Can't wait for the drama to unfold and hopefully, justice will be served 
!
. On the surface, I think both sides have valid points. Like, you gotta respect Kendrick's right to express himself creatively, but at the same time, Drake did claim UMG knew those lyrics were false and damaging... that's some serious juice 
.
Either way, it's gonna be interesting to see how this plays out in court 
The whole thing feels kinda like a big mess, if you ask me 
it seems like this whole thing is just a big mess and I'm low-key hyped to see how it all plays out 
i dont think they should get a free pass just cuz its art... 
but at the same time drake did bring this on himself w/ all those beefs he's had in the past 
and i think he might just win 
and it's not just about him being offended 
it's about ppl being bullied 
and hurt by harsh words 
gotta stand up 2 that 
here for it 
we need more ppl speaking out against fake news & false allegations 
what do u guys think? 
i mean, who doesn't love a good celebrity drama