Court dismisses Avicii former manager’s lawsuit against late DJ’s estate

A Swedish court has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Avicii’s former manager, Arash “Ash” Pournouri, against companies connected to the late DJ’s estate. The case centered on claims that documentaries and books about Tim Bergling, known globally as Avicii, portrayed Pournouri in a damaging and misleading way.

Pournouri, who managed Avicii during the rise of his global career before their professional split in 2016, filed the lawsuit in Stockholm District Court. He argued that projects including the documentary ‘Avicii: True Stories’ and subsequent biographies created a narrative suggesting he pushed the artist too hard during the years leading up to Avicii’s decision to stop touring.

However, the court ultimately dismissed the lawsuit, citing issues with the legal structure of the filing rather than ruling on the substance of the allegations themselves. In other words, the court did not examine whether the claims of defamation were valid, only that the case did not meet the legal requirements necessary to proceed in its current form.

Lawyers representing companies tied to the Avicii estate welcomed the decision and described the lawsuit as unfounded. Meanwhile, Klas Bergling, Avicii’s father, expressed sadness that his son’s name continues to appear in legal disputes years after his passing.

Pournouri has previously stated that his aim was not financial compensation but rather to challenge what he believes is an inaccurate public narrative about his role during Avicii’s career. According to earlier statements, he sought a legal process that would clarify the events surrounding the artist’s intense touring years.

Despite the dismissal, the former manager has indicated he may continue pursuing legal options by submitting a revised claim.

H/T: RollingStone