Drake. Credit score: Shutterstock, Adam McCullough
U.S. rapper Drake has launched a defamation lawsuit towards his personal label, Common Music Group (UMG), accusing the organisation of endangering his security and popularity by releasing and selling Kendrick Lamar’s diss observe, Not Like Us.
Filed within the U.S. District Courtroom for the Southern District of New York, the lawsuit alleges that UMG prioritised “company greed over the protection and well-being” of its artists.
Drake accused of being a “licensed paedophile”
The lawsuit claims Not Like Us comprises lyrics falsely accusing Drake of being a “licensed pedophile” and contains cowl artwork displaying his Toronto residence with markers suggesting it belongs to a registered intercourse offender. The rapper, born Aubrey Drake Graham, states the tune has led to “palpable bodily threats” towards him and his household, together with a capturing at his residence shortly after the observe’s launch.
Drake’s authorized workforce, led by Michael J. Gottlieb of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, drew parallels between the tune’s fallout and the 2016 “Pizzagate” conspiracy. The “Pizzagate” conspiracy was a debunked idea that falsely claimed a Washington, D.C. pizzeria was the centre of a kid trafficking ring involving high-profile figures. The lawsuit additionally highlighted on-line harassment and security issues that compelled Drake to take away his son, Adonis, from faculty.
Common Music Group’s alleged defamatory actions
The lawsuit states that UMG “authorized, revealed, and launched a marketing campaign to create a viral hit” regardless of understanding the allegations have been false and harmful. The submitting additionally suggests the label covertly used bots and monetary incentives to inflate the observe’s streaming and radio play figures.
The Grammy-nominated Not Like Us observe has amassed over one billion Spotify streams. Kendrick Lamar is ready to headline the upcoming Tremendous Bowl halftime present in February.
Common has denied wrongdoing, stating: “We make use of the very best moral practices in our advertising and marketing and promotional campaigns.”
Each Drake and Kendrick Lamar have remained silent on the lawsuit, although their feud has captivated followers worldwide.
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