Alanis Morissette has taken legal action against her ex-tour manager, accusing her of engaging in a scheme to extort the singer by threatening to incriminate her in drug trafficking unless Morissette agreed to a long-term contract. The lawsuit, filed in California and obtained by CBC News, alleges that Keren Urinov, the former tour manager, demanded significant compensation and a 15-year employment contract under the threat of reporting Morissette to British authorities for drug-related offenses.
In the legal filing, Morissette claims that she refused to succumb to the blackmail and is seeking justice to expose Urinov’s actions and hold her accountable for civil extortion, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation. The lawsuit outlines the events that unfolded during their collaboration, including an incident at an airport where Urinov was reportedly detained for possession of marijuana and xylazine, an animal tranquilizer. Despite Urinov’s admission of ownership and the subsequent release after presenting a medical marijuana license, she allegedly attempted to leverage the situation to coerce Morissette into compliance.
The lawsuit further reveals that Urinov, following the tour’s conclusion, sent threatening letters demanding a fixed 15-year contract with lucrative terms, including salary increases and bonuses equivalent to a tour director’s compensation. Additionally, Urinov insisted on assistance with obtaining a work visa for the United States, threatening further legal action if her demands were not met. Morissette also raised concerns about Urinov’s managerial competence, citing costly errors during the tour and undisclosed criminal history, which included allegations of drug smuggling and fleeing prosecution in Latin America.
Despite reluctance, Morissette felt compelled to take legal action to protect herself from what she described as an incompetent and manipulative individual. The singer is now seeking a trial by jury to address the issues raised in the lawsuit. CBC News has reached out to both Urinov and Morissette’s representatives for comment but has not received a response at the time of reporting.