Drake’s defamation lawsuit surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” against Universal Music Group was dismissed by a federal judge in New York City on Thursday (Oct. 9).
Ten months after initially filing the lawsuit, accusing Lamar of defaming him while labeling him a “certified pedophile,” it was thrown out by Judge Jeannette Vargas, who granted UMG’s motion for dismissal.
“The artists’ seven-track rap battle was a ‘war of words’ that was the subject of substantial media scrutiny and online discourse,” the judge wrote. “Although the accusation that plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that ‘Not Like Us’ imparts verifiable facts about plaintiff.”
While Drake can still appeal the ruling to a federal appeals court, fans from both sides of the coin didn’t waste any time flooding social media with their reactions.
Lamar fans and Drake detractors mocked the OVO faithful on X and IG, while the rivalry was seemingly renewed with the famed 2024 battle now in the rear-view.
“From the outset, this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day,” UMG relayed to Billboard in a statement. “We’re pleased with the court’s dismissal and look forward to continuing our work successfully promoting Drake’s music and investing in his career.”
“Not Like Us” arrived in May 2024 and served as the killshot in Kendrick’s battle against Drake. The scathing diss track produced by Mustard topped the Billboard Hot 100 and swept all five of its nominations at the 2025 Grammy Awards, including record of the year and song of the year.
Find some of the reactions to the lawsuit ruling against Drake below.
For more about the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud, read Billboard’s timeline:
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