Universal Music Group has filed a 144-page motion to dismiss Drake’s pre-action petition filed in Texas last November, where he accuses UMG and Spotify of colluding to boost the streaming numbers for Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” diss.
In their motion, UMG cited The Texas Citizens Participate Act, which protects citizens from retaliatory lawsuits that seek to silence them from expressing freedom of speech. They argue that Drake has failed to provide evidence that they defamed Drake by distributing “Not Like Us.”Ā In addition to motioning to dismiss the case, UMG is also asking for reimbursement of legal fees.
Furthermore, UMG is seeking to have Drake cover their legal fees. The label requested a hearing on their motion within 60 days.Ā UMG also asked the court to āsuspend all discovery related to this matterā until a ruling has been made.Ā UMG argues that Drakeās petition should be dismissed because he ādid not file [it] in a āproper court’ā as required by state law.Ā The company also claims that Drake has āalready filed suit on his potential claims, obviating any need for pre-suit discovery.āĀ
A hearing on the motion is currently scheduled for January 28, 2025, in Bexar County, Texas.
Drake is suing UMG, claiming the label approved and promoted a track that falsely portrays him as a pedophile, leading to violence at his Toronto home, including a shooting that injured a security guard.
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