Drake Files Appeal to Revive "Not Like Us" Defamation Lawsuit

January 23, 2026

"Dangerous Categorical Rule": Drake Files Appeal to Revive "Not Like Us" Defamation Lawsuit

NEW YORK — The legal battle over the most explosive rap feud in a generation is far from over. Lawyers for Aubrey "Drake" Graham officially filed an opening appellate brief on Wednesday, seeking to overturn the dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG).

The appeal, filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, argues that a lower court’s decision to throw out the case creates a "dangerous" precedent that could effectively legalize defamation within the music industry under the guise of "artistic expression."

The "Not Like Us" Fallout

The original lawsuit, dismissed by U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas in October 2025, targeted UMG for its role in distributing and promoting Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy-winning diss track, "Not Like Us." Drake alleges that the song’s lyrics, specifically those branding him a "certified pedophile" constitute false factual assertions that have caused irreparable harm to his reputation and personal safety.

In her initial ruling, Judge Vargas sided with UMG, stating that the lyrics were "non-actionable opinion" delivered within the "freewheeling" context of a rap battle. She argued that a reasonable listener would not perceive the track as a product of a "disinterested investigation" into facts.

The Basis of the Appeal

Drake’s legal team, led by attorney Michael Gottlieb, is now challenging that logic. According to the 55-page brief, the lower court effectively created an "unprecedented and overbroad categorical rule" that statements made in rap diss tracks can never be actionable as defamation.

“The Recording was intended to convey the specific, unmistakable, and false factual allegation that Drake is a criminal pedophile,” the appeal states. “To suggest that this is merely 'opinion' because it is set to music ignores the reality that millions of listeners took these claims as verifiable fact.”

The appeal further argues that:

Literal Interpretation: Millions of fans globally understood the lyrics as a factual assertion of criminal behavior.
Corporate Responsibility: UMG allegedly prioritized "corporate greed" by weaponizing a malicious narrative against one of its own artists to boost the streaming numbers of another.
Threats of Violence: The brief reiterates that the song and its accompanying music video (which featured an aerial shot of Drake’s Toronto home) incited "vigilante justice" and led to real-world security breaches.

UMG: "An Affront to Artistic Expression"

Universal Music Group has remained steadfast in its defense. Following the October dismissal, a UMG spokesperson called the lawsuit an "affront to all artists" and their right to creative conflict.

Industry analysts suggest that if the appellate court sides with Drake, it could fundamentally change the "rules of engagement" for battle rap, potentially opening the door for artists like Meek Mill, Kid Cudi, or Megan Thee Stallion to pursue similar legal action for past "subs" and diss tracks.

What’s Next?

The court has approved a revised schedule for the proceedings. Universal Music Group now has until 27th March 2026, to file its formal response to Drake's brief. A final reply from Drake’s team is expected by mid-April.

As Drake continues to tease his upcoming project, Iceman, the "Not Like Us" litigation remains a looming shadow over his legacy. For a rapper who has often claimed to be "unbothered," this appeal makes one thing clear: Drake will not go down without a fight.