Drake and UMG Set for Mediation in Ongoing Legal Battle
Drake and Universal Music Group will enter a new round of mediation next month as part of their ongoing legal dispute. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has scheduled the mediation for December 19 at 10:30 a.m. ET. The session will be conducted by phone under Chief Circuit Mediator Kathleen M. Scanlon.
This mediation stems from Drake’s appeal of a defamation suit that was previously denied. The session will allow both parties to discuss the strengths of their legal positions and explore potential settlement options. Other issues related to the case may also be addressed during the discussion.
The original suit, filed in January, was dismissed by Judge Jeannette Vargas. She noted that while the accusation made against Drake was serious, the broader context of a rap battle meant listeners would not perceive the claims as factual. Her ruling stated, “Although the accusation that plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that ‘Not Like Us’ imparts verifiable facts about plaintiff.”
UMG welcomed the dismissal, emphasizing the importance of creative freedom for artists. The company stated, “From the outset, this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day. We’re pleased with the court’s dismissal and look forward to continuing our work successfully promoting Drake’s music and investing in his career.”
The upcoming mediation will be closely watched by the music industry and fans alike, as it may determine the next steps in one of Drake’s most high-profile legal battles.
