Universal Music Group (UMG) is pushing back against Drake’s defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us, asking a federal judge to stop all discovery in the case. UMG claims that Drake’s attorneys have made overly broad requests, including demands for all contracts between Lamar and UMG, and details about the compensation and incentives for Interscope CEO John Janick and other executives.
In its filing, UMG argues that Drake’s discovery requests would place a heavy burden on the company, requiring extensive review of documents and data. The requests also include details about executive compensation for Interscope’s top officers over the past five years, as well as projections for the 2024 incentive plans.
Drake’s attorney, Michael Gottlieb, responded by calling the requests a standard part of the discovery process. He accused UMG of attempting to delay the case and hide documents that could be crucial to the lawsuit. “If UMG has nothing to hide, it should not have an issue with discovery,” he said.
The motion to block discovery follows a broader legal dispute. UMG previously filed a motion to dismiss Drake’s lawsuit, arguing that the rapper was suing over a lost rap battle with Lamar. UMG claimed that Drake’s suit was a misguided attempt to salvage his reputation after the battle, which he allegedly provoked.
UMG also argues that Drake has no basis for defamation claims, stating that Lamar’s diss track represents opinion, not fact, and that the lawsuit is without merit. The label further contends that there is no legal foundation for the harassment or business law claims in the suit.
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