Drake's Appeal for 'Not Like Us' Lawsuit Put on Hold for the Holidays — Report

Drake's defamation case concerning Kendrick Lamar's song Not Like Us has been delayed once again. The proceedings are temporarily on hold for the holiday season after attorneys from both sides requested the Second Circuit to adjust key deadlines. This break allows legal teams to spend time with family and manage other major cases.

Revised Court Schedule

Initially, Drake's team was expected to submit its opening brief by December 22, with Universal Music Group (UMG) responding by January 26, 2026. Following a joint request filed just before Thanksgiving, the timeline has been extended. Drake now has until January 21, 2026, to file the opening brief, and UMG has until March 27, 2026, to reply. If approved, Drake will have a chance to submit a response by April 17, 2026.

Reasons for the Delay

The filing explains that lawyers on both sides are traveling for the holidays and are also engaged in other significant legal matters. Drake's lead attorney, Michael Gottlieb, for instance, is representing Blake Lively in her case against Justin Baldoni. Additionally, the extra time will allow external groups to provide input on the matter. The document emphasizes that this case involves public-interest topics, including artistic expression and the boundaries of defamation law for public figures.

Background of the Case

The dispute originates from lyrics in Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us that a federal judge interpreted as "explicitly accus[ing] Drake of being a pedophile." The Southern District of New York dismissed the case, with Judge Jeanette Vargas noting that diss tracks, accompanied by videos and album art, function more like platforms such as YouTube or X, which permit a freewheeling style, rather than formal journalistic reporting.

Following the dismissal, Drake filed an appeal against the court's decision.

Author: Sophia Brooks