Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a new motion to dismiss Drake’s amended defamation lawsuit, calling the updated claims “astonishing.” Drake initially sued UMG in January, alleging the label promoted Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” to defame him. After an initial dismissal attempt in March, Drake amended his complaint in April to include UMG’s alleged role in Lamar’s Super Bowl and Grammy performances.

UMG argues that Drake's latest claims lack merit, noting Lamar’s Super Bowl performance didn’t include the lyrics at the heart of the case. In a statement, UMG accused Drake of weaponizing legal filings over a creative rivalry he himself instigated.

The company also dismissed Drake’s use of anonymous online comments and retracted allegations about bot streaming as baseless. Despite the motion, discovery will continue, with Drake’s team seeking access to Lamar’s UMG contracts. The case remains a heated flashpoint in rap’s ongoing legal battles.