Drake voluntarily withdrew its pre-litigation filings against UMG and Spotify today (January 14).
Drake shocked the music industry before filing a lawsuit against UMG and Spotify in November. Drake’s Frozen Moments LLC accuses UMG of launching an illegal “scheme” involving bots, payola and other methods to promote Kendrick’s hit song “Not Like Us,” a rant against Drake.
Both UMG and Spotify issued statements denying Drake’s claims. Drizzy also subsequently filed a second defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over some controversial lyrics in the song.
However, in an interesting turn of events, today (January 14), Drake voluntarily withdrew his pre-suit filing.
In documents filed with New York Supreme Court (which you can view here ), Drake’s legal team revealed that they are withdrawing their pre-litigation disclosures. It is unclear whether this involves any out-of-court settlement between the parties. See their statement below.
“Please note that plaintiff and moving party Frozen Moments, LLC and its attorneys, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, hereby withdraw their orders requiring the pre-suit disclosure and preservation of certain documents and communications of defendant UMG Recordings, Inc. and the pre-litigation parties. – Defendant Litigation disclosure of certain documents and communications from Spotify USA Inc., evidence of which was originally filed with the New York Supreme Court on November 25, 2024.
Please note further that petitioners hereby voluntarily cease. This special procedure is available to all defendants at no cost to either party. The plaintiff met and negotiated with the defendant regarding this application on January 14, 2025. The defendant, Spotify, has objected to the order and stated its reasons, and responded that Spotify has no objection to withdrawal and suspension. Respondent UMG has not yet filed a show cause objection to the order and therefore reserves its position.
There is no word yet on the pending defamation case filed in Texas.
