Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a motion to dismiss Drake’s request for a pre-suit deposition in Bexar County, Texas, arguing that the rapper’s claims against the company lack sufficient evidence. Drake had filed two petitions in November 2024, one in New York and the other in Texas, which were not lawsuits but formal actions. The New York petition was later withdrawn to pave the way for a potential lawsuit, but the Texas petition remains, prompting UMG’s defense.
In a comprehensive 144-page filing, UMG argues that Drake’s petition should be dismissed based on the Texas Citizens Participation Act (TCPA), which safeguards individuals from lawsuits that aim to silence or intimidate them on matters of public interest.
UMG claims that Drake’s legal approach violates the First Amendment and uses the Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 202 as a tactic to punish the company for engaging in free speech. According to UMG, the burden of proof now lies with Drake, who must provide solid evidence to substantiate his allegations. For more updates check our Youtube channel.
Drake’s petition includes accusations that UMG engaged in a “pay-to-play” scheme by funneling payments to iHeartMedia, the largest radio network in the U.S., to promote Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us.” UMG, however, contends that Drake has failed to provide any tangible proof to support these claims.
The motion emphasizes that Drake’s allegations rely solely on his verified petition, which, according to UMG, contains no admissible evidence. Furthermore, the motion argues that the sources Drake referenced in his petition are unreliable, with many of them being anonymous, unverified, and therefore inadmissible in court.
The company has also asked the court to order Drake to cover UMG’s attorney’s fees and other legal costs related to defending the case. In a related development, Drake’s lawyer in New York supported UMG’s request for an extension to respond to his complaint, hinting at an impending motion to dismiss in that jurisdiction as well.
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