Judge Demands Universal Music Explain MagaUpload Takedown Campaign Today

Late last week, after cloud file storage site MegaUpload debuted a promo video featuring P Diddy, Will.i.am, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, The Game, Mary J Blige , Kim Kardashian and others, Universal Music Group began an aggresive takedown order spree that ranged from YouTube to an online show Tech News Today.

On Monday, MegaUpload fought back with a lawsuit demanding that UMG stop the take downs. Yesterday, the company asked the court to rule quickly, arguing that UMG was violating Megaupload's right to free speech. "UMG has squashed not only the video itself, but even public comment about it by others, including a 45 minute news broadcast that criticized UMG," the company stated in filings. "The Court should act immediately to ensure the public that such tactics will not be tolerated."

Late yesterday, Judge Claudia Wilken stated she would "defer ruling" on Megaupload's request for just 24 hours so UMG could respond:

The Court will defer ruling on Plaintiff's application until Defendant UMG has an opportunity to respond. Defendant UMG may submit an opposition on or before December 15, 2011.

IT IS SO ORDERED..

More as the story develops.