UMG Boss Lucian Grainge Responds to Drake's Defamation Lawsuit: Denies Involvement in 'Not Like Us' and Counters Allegations
Drake's legal battle with UMG boss Lucian Grainge has escalated as Grainge responded to Drake's requests for documentation in his defamation lawsuit against the record label. Grainge stated that he had no prior knowledge of Drake's song "Not Like Us" or its accompanying visuals until after their release by Interscope Records. He denied any involvement in reviewing or approving the content, cover art, or music video, dismissing Drake's allegations as baseless and absurd.
Grainge emphasized the significant financial support provided by Universal Music Group to Drake over the years, including investments in his recording career, ownership of his catalog, and music publishing rights. He refuted Drake's claims of a conspiracy to harm him, labeling them as nonsensical given the substantial support UMG has extended to the Canadian rapper.
The music executive expressed his frustration with the personal attacks and legal tactics employed by UMG's opponents, characterizing Drake's discovery requests as a ploy to waste time and resources. UMG's lawyers criticized Drake's efforts to obtain documents from Grainge as a transparent attempt to harass the record label and force unnecessary expenditures out of spite.
UMG vehemently opposed Drake's motion to access financial records related to Kendrick Lamar's recording contract, dismissing the premise of Drake's claims as absurd. The ongoing legal dispute between Drake and UMG continues to unfold as both parties stand their ground in the courtroom.