Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge has delivered a pointed rebuttal to Drake’s ongoing lawsuit over the promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping diss track “Not Like Us.” In his first public statement on the matter, Grainge dismissed the Canadian rapper’s claims as “groundless” and “ridiculous,” rejecting the suggestion that he played any role in the song’s release strategy or content approval.

The dispute stems from a defamation and harassment suit Drake filed in January against UMG, Lamar, and others, claiming the company was involved in amplifying the track’s damaging accusations, including Lamar’s lyric and cover art implying Drake is a “pedophile.” Drake alleges this was part of a calculated effort to undermine his reputation and diminish his commercial value ahead of potential contract extension talks. The rapper is signed to UMG’s Republic Records, while Lamar’s music is released through Interscope Records, a UMG subsidiary.

Earlier this week, Drake’s attorneys filed a motion seeking to compel Grainge to turn over documents they believe could tie the CEO directly to the rollout of “Not Like Us.” The motion pointed to Grainge’s authorship of UMG’s Code of Conduct, which stresses executive accountability, as well as his public celebration of the track’s Grammy win for Record of the Year. Drake’s legal team argues that these actions demonstrate at least tacit approval of the song’s release and promotion.

Grainge’s legal response, filed in the Southern District of New York, pushes back forcefully. “I had never heard the recording ‘Not Like Us,’ nor ever saw the corresponding cover art or music video, until after they were released by Interscope Records,” he said in a sworn statement. While acknowledging that he has financial oversight of UMG’s global operations, Grainge called it “farcical” to suggest he would be personally involved in reviewing or approving a single track among the thousands the company releases worldwide each year.

He went on to argue that the scope of his role, overseeing a publicly traded, multinational corporation operating in more than 60 countries, makes it implausible that he would be “in the weeds” on the marketing plans for any individual recording. Grainge characterized Drake’s discovery requests as a waste of resources, describing them as tactics aimed at generating media attention or pressuring the company into financial concessions.

As for the allegation that he sought to “devalue” Drake’s brand, Grainge pointed to UMG’s extensive investment in the rapper’s career as proof of the opposite. In 2022, Drake signed a blockbuster deal with the company, reportedly worth around $400 million, which included the purchase of much of his recording catalog and publishing rights. “It makes no sense to claim that I would be behind a scheme to damage the brand of an artist in whom we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars,” Grainge wrote.

Drake’s case against UMG is one of two he initially filed over “Not Like Us.” The second targeted iHeartMedia, accusing the broadcaster of taking undisclosed payments from UMG to boost airplay of the track. That suit was resolved in March, with iHeartMedia stating that Drake dropped his petition after being shown documents demonstrating the company had done nothing improper. No money changed hands as part of the settlement.

While the iHeart dispute is closed, the legal fight with UMG continues.