US judge tosses Drake lawsuit over Lamar diss track

Pallade Veneta - US judge tosses Drake lawsuit over Lamar diss track

US judge tosses Drake lawsuit over Lamar diss track / Photo: Daniel LEAL, TOMMASO BODDI - AFP/File

A US federal judge in New York on Thursday threw out a defamation case filed by Canadian rapper Drake against his own label Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar's viral diss track.

Change text size:

In 2024, the superstar rappers exchanged a litany of increasingly vitriolic songs, with Lamar delivering the major blow with his chart-topping "Not Like Us."

In his suit filed in January, Drake accused Universal -- which is behind both artists -- of betraying him in favor of profits by promoting the song, which features punchlines that accuse him of pedophilia.

The lawsuit also cited the track's promotion as causing a "physical threat to Drake's safety" as well as a "bombardment of online harassment."

But Judge Jeannette Vargas said Lamar's lyrics about the 38-year-old Canadian artist -- born Aubrey Drake Graham -- amounted to "nonactionable opinion."

"The issue in this case is whether 'Not Like Us' can reasonably be understood to convey as a factual matter that Drake is a pedophile or that he has engaged in sexual relations with minors," Vargas wrote in her ruling.

"In light of the overall context in which the statements in the recording were made, the Court holds that it cannot."

In a statement after the ruling, Universal Music Group called the suit "an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day."

"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."

Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize winner who is also 38, went on to perform the Grammy-winning "Not Like Us" as the headliner of the Super Bowl halftime show in February.

He cut the profanity and the word "pedophile" but didn't stop short of the money line, rapping "tryna strike a chord and it's probably A-minoooooor" on live television in front of more than 130 million viewers.

N.Tartaglione--PV

Worcestershire road closures announced for Remembrance Sunday events

MOTORISTS are being warned to expect road closures across Worcestershire this weekend as towns and villages come together to mark Remembrance Sunday. A number of parades and services will take place this Sunday (November 8), giving residents the opportunity to remember members of the Armed Forces who have served and lost their lives in wars and other conflicts.

Kuwait marks key events and anniversaries from national history

KUWAIT: Following are events that took place in Kuwait on November 4: 1984 — Poet Abdullah Al-Sanan, whose poems reflected social, economic and political changes, died at the age of 67. 1990 — Syrian forces arrived in the Saudi port of Yanbu to join the international coalition troops stationed in Saudi Arabia to liberate Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation.

Qatar media bodies discuss support for humanitarian initiatives

Qatar Media Corporation, in collaboration with the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA), organized a seminar titled 'Developmental Media and Philanthropic Work: A Partnership for Sustainable Impact' to mark World Development Information Day. The event featured the participation of a distinguished group of media professionals, experts, and representatives from various charitable and humanitarian organizations and associations in Qatar.

Vessel operator seeks witnesses after Vancouver grounding

VANCOUVER — The operator of a vessel that ran aground on a sandbar off Vancouver last month says “malicious” tampering was the cause and he’s urging witnesses to come forward. Kevin Skewes, the owner of Spirit Cruises, says someone hit the Pride of Vancouver’s kill switch on the night of Oct.