As expected, Drake has filed a notice of appeal in his defamation case against Universal Music Group over the promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.”
In a filing on Wednesday morning, representatives for Drake wrote that the rapper was providing notice of appeal to the District Court’s opinion and order from earlier this month. His legal team’s arguments over the basis of the appeal are expected to be made in a filing that will come at a later date.
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A rep for Drake shared in a statement to Variety, “This confirms our intent to appeal, and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing that filing in the coming weeks.” UMG did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Drake’s high-profile lawsuit against UMG was dismissed on Oct. 9 after District Judge Jeannette Vargas cited “Not Like Us” as a “nonactionable opinion” that was not considered defamatory. “The fact that the Recording was made in the midst of a rap battle is essential to assessing its impact on a reasonable listener,” wrote Judge Vargas in the ruling. “Even apparent statements of fact may assume the character of statements of opinion… when made in public debate, heated labor dispute, or other circumstances in which an audience may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole.”
Attorneys for Drake immediately signaled that they intended to appeal the dismissal, stating that they “look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing it.”
Drake initially filed the lawsuit against UMG in January over “Not Like Us,” the biggest hit from his battle with Lamar, claiming that the label intentionally engaged in defamation by promoting the song. In March, UMG filed its motion to dismiss, prompting Drake’s legal team to refile an amended complaint that focused on events that occurred since the initial filing, including Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us” at the Super Bowl and the track being played at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
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