Universal Music Group has motioned to dismiss Drakes updated defamation lawsuit over the release of Kendrick Lamars Not Like Us, writing that the rappers allegations against the music giant are no more than Drakes attempt to save face for his unsuccessful rap battle with Lamar.

The motion comes weeks after Drake filed an amended complaint in the case against his own record company, alleging that Lamars Super Bowl performance and Lamar omitting the word pedophile during Not Like Us affirmed his claim that the songs lyrics were defamatory. In UMGs dismissal motion, filed late Wednesday evening and reviewed by The Hollywood Reporter, the company called Drakes claims astonishing, further stating that the fact that Lamar didnt use the word pedophile betrays this case for what it is: Drakes attack on the commercial and creative success of the rap artist who defeated him, rather than the content of Lamars lyrics.

The amended complaint is without merit and should be dismissed with prejudice, UMG said.

Drake first sued UMG not Lamar over the songs release back in January, alleging that the company decided to publish, promote, exploit and monetize allegations that it understood were not only false, but dangerous. UMG did so not because it believes any of these false claims to be true, but instead because it would profit from damaging Drakes reputation, Drakes initial complaint said.

The song became one of the biggest songs of 2024 and won Grammys for record and song of the year back in February. In the suit, Drakes team said the rapper was the subject of harassment since the song released. Before the amended complaint, Drakes team was granted permission to ask for documents including Kendrick Lamars record deal and incentive plans for Interscope CEO John Janick. A rep for Drakes legal team didnt immediately respond to request for comment on UMGs dismissal motion.

UMGs motion appears to try and paint Drakes legal actions as hypocritical, as the company said that Drake was pleased to use UMGs platform to promote tracks leveling similarly incendiary attacks at Lamar, including that Lamar engaged in domestic abuse and that one of Lamars managers is the true father of Lamars son. Only after he lost the battle, UMG said, did Drake call Not Like Us defamatory.

UMG also claimed that diss tracks throughout rap history are known for a series of hyperbolic insults, and that the art form would be chilled if Drakes suit were permitted to proceed.

The company issued a lengthy statement late Wednesday, writing that nowhere in the hundred-plus page legal blather written by Drakes lawyers do they bother to acknowledge that Drake himself has written and performed massively successful songs containing equally provocative taunts against other artists.

The company also claimed Drakes legal team was looking for evidence of wild conspiracies as to why one song that upset Drake had massive global appeal, but thereisnothing to uncover.

By working tirelessly in partnership with our artists, we achieve global success for them and their music. Our continuing partnership with Drake and his enduring success is a shining example, UMG said.Despite his lawyers attempts to silence other artists and threaten the companies that work with them, we remain committed to propelling Drakescareer while maintaining our unwavering support ofall our artists creative expression. Drakes included.