NFL Faces Potential Involvement in Drake’s Defamation Lawsuit Over Super Bowl Halftime Show
The NFL could be drawn into the legal battle surrounding Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Worldwide Music Group (UMG) over lyrics in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” specifically concerning the Super Bowl LIX halftime performance.
Drake Subpoenas NFL for “Pedophile” Lyric Removal
Drake,who alleges the song defames him,amended his complaint arguing that the removal of the word “pedophile” from Lamar’s Super Bowl performance demonstrates UMG’s awareness of the lyrics’ problematic nature. He claims the NFL and others involved understood using the term in front of a massive audience was unacceptable.
NFL’s Reluctant Role: Witness, Not Defendant
While not a defendant, the NFL faces the prospect of a subpoena, requiring them to produce details, documents, and potentially testimony regarding conversations about the lyric change.Expect scrutiny of emails, texts, and internal discussions.
The Heart of the Matter: Why Was the Lyric Changed?
Drake’s legal team aims to uncover the truth behind the removal.They hope to demonstrate the NFL knew the inclusion of the word could expose them to liability, acknowledging the defamatory potential of falsely labeling someone a pedophile.
Drake’s Burden: Proving ”Actual Malice”
As a public figure, Drake faces a higher legal threshold. He must prove “actual malice,” meaning UMG knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard for its truthfulness.
NFL’s Communications Under scrutiny
Regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome, the NFL’s communications regarding the lyric change and the reasons behind it will be subject to examination.
