Drake accuses Universal Music Group of amplifying defamation during Super Bowl

In the United States, on April 16, 2025, rapper Drake escalated his ongoing legal battle against Universal Music Group by filing an amended complaint in federal court. The allegations stem from what Drake claims are defamatory elements in Kendrick Lamar's performance of the diss track "Not Like Us" during the Super Bowl halftime show. Drake's legal team contends that Universal Music amplified damaging narratives about him, particularly allegations of pedophilia, intensifying public perception against him during high-profile events. The case highlights the impact of media and entertainment on public image and the responsibilities of record labels in this regard. Drake asserts that Universal Music Group not only promoted Lamar's performance but strategically placed it in significant contexts, aiming to demean his character in front of an unprecedented audience of over 133 million viewers, many of whom were children. The legal complaint points out that significant portions of the diss track aired at other prestigious events, notably the Grammy Awards, where Lamar's song was recognized with multiple awards, further propelling its visibility and, according to Drake, the damaging implications for his reputation. It is noted that this situation arose in the context of a longstanding rivalry between the two artists, which has evolved from friendly collaborations into a contentious rivalry marked by public jabs and diss tracks. Drake's team argues that even though the word "pedophile" was censored during the performance, the intent behind the lyrics was clear and injurious, suggesting that the obscured content only served to emphasize its defamatory nature. As the lawsuit progresses, significant developments could hinge on the discovery process initiated by a New York judge, allowing Drake's legal team to access potentially incriminating internal documents from Universal Music. The outcome of the case carries implications not just for the artists involved but for the music industry in terms of how such disputes are managed and communicated to the public. Universal Music Group has responded firmly to the allegations, deeming them baseless and accusing Drake of deflecting responsibility for the unfavorable perception arising from his own competitive actions and diss tracks aimed at Lamar. They maintain that instead of acknowledging the outcome of the rap battle, which they believe Drake instigated, he has turned to litigation in a misguided effort to remedy his grievances. The tensions between the two hip-hop icons, resulting from their interactions over the past decade, exemplify the complexities of personal relationships within the music industry, particularly when compounded by public opinion and media influence.