Rapper Drake has been reported to have filed a new lawsuit challenging Universal Music Group (UMG) with the accusation of defamation relating to the release of a hit single, Not Like Us, by Kendrick Lamar.
The legal suit was filed in Texas on November 25. The rapper in the suit claimed that UMG willingly distributed the song, which he alleges deliberately portrays him as a pedophile.
His legal team claimed that the group UMG was aware of the lyrical contents of the song but chose not to mind and go on with its release. “UMG could have refused to release or distribute the song or required the offending material to be edited or removed,” the lawsuit states.
The legal team said that the group ignored the lies but turned the controversy into an opportunity for a viral marketing strategy to curate massive income. They also claimed that the song’s success was “designed, financed, and executed” to defend and damage Drake’s reputation to UMG’s advantage.
The lawsuit also accused Universal Music Group (UMG) of participating in an unlawful “pay-to-play scheme” by paying iHeartRadio to promote the song.
This lawsuit is the second pre-action petition that Drake has filed against UMG as he continues to fight against what he labeled purposefully enacted damage to his business and reputation.