Case Intel — What Matters Now
- Drake asks a federal judge to force Universal Music Group to search CEO Sir Lucian Grainge’s files in his defamation suit over “Not Like Us.”
- UMG calls the case “baseless,” says lyrics are protected expression, and has moved to dismiss the suit.
- A judge has already green-lit key discovery steps for Drake, signaling the case is moving forward.
By Samuel Lopez – USA Herald
A new flashpoint in Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) arrived today, as the rapper presses a New York federal court to compel searches of CEO/chairman Sir Lucian Grainge’s custodial files—evidence Drake says could reveal whether UMG’s top executive knowingly advanced falsehoods embedded in Kendrick Lamar’s smash diss track “Not Like Us.”
The filing, obtained by USA Herald, underscores why this moment matters: the “actual malice” standard Drake must meet as a public figure often turns on who knew what, and when. If Grainge’s messages show awareness of falsity—or reckless disregard—the case could clear a critical legal hurdle. (Under U.S. Supreme Court precedent, public figures must prove “actual malice,” i.e., knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard.) Legal Information Institute
