Spotify has responded to Drake’s legal claims, calling his accusations against the platform “false” and demanding the case be dismissed.
Drake alleged that Spotify worked with Universal Music Group (UMG) to boost Kendrick Lamar’s track Not Like Us using bots and payola.
In a filing on Friday, Spotify denied the claims, saying there is no evidence of such actions. The company stated it has never had an agreement with UMG to promote Lamar’s music.
Spotify also criticized Drake for using an unusual legal process to file the case, calling it a “subversion” of the legal system.
Spotify’s lawyers described Drake’s claims as “far-fetched” and “speculative,” adding that civil RICO cases are hard to prove without strong evidence. They argued that Drake’s accusations rely on speculation and anonymous sources.
Drake initially accused UMG of using bots and deceptive practices to inflate streams of Not Like Us, a song that reportedly attacks him. He also filed a similar case in Texas, alleging defamation by UMG.
Spotify’s vice president of music, David Kaefer, stated in an affidavit that the company takes strong measures to prevent artificial streaming. “We remove fake streams and take action against manipulation,” Kaefer said.
UMG has not yet responded in court but previously called Drake’s claims “offensive and untrue.”
This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, who have exchanged diss tracks this year.
However, Drake’s decision to take the feud to court has drawn criticism from some fans and industry insiders.
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