Singer Alanis Morissette has initiated legal action against her former tour manager, Keren Urinov, accusing her of attempted blackmail. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles court, alleges that Urinov attempted to extort Morissette by threatening to frame her for drug trafficking after drugs were found in Urinov's luggage during a European tour. According to the suit, Urinov initially claimed the drugs were hers to British Border Force officials but later allegedly sent letters threatening legal action unless Morissette falsely claimed ownership to authorities.
Morissette's legal team stated that the singer "will not be coerced into delivering her blackmailer an extraordinary payday" and is suing "to expose Urinov’s scheme and hold her accountable." Urinov's attorney has rejected the blackmail allegations, asserting that his client wishes to have her name cleared through a trial rather than accepting a settlement.
This legal dispute echoes a previous financial betrayal Morissette experienced. In 2017, her former business manager, Jonathan Todd Schwartz, admitted to stealing approximately $4.8 million from the singer. Schwartz, who was battling cocaine addiction and gambling issues, embezzled a total of $7.2 million from Morissette and other clients between 2010 and 2014. He falsified account records, initially claiming the money was invested in illegal marijuana businesses, a statement he later recanted.
Schwartz was sentenced to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and tax fraud charges. He has since become a therapist specializing in addiction and expressed deep regret for his actions, stating he wishes to apologize to Morissette personally. He noted that Morissette, while wanting to trust people, may rely too heavily on professionals, a vulnerability he exploited. Schwartz has advised celebrities to implement stronger financial controls, such as requiring dual signatures on major transactions, to prevent similar incidents.
In the current lawsuit, Morissette is seeking over $75,000 in compensation from Urinov. The alleged extortion attempt reportedly began after Urinov's bag, found to contain marijuana and xylazine (an animal tranquilizer), was seized at a UK airport. The lawsuit claims Urinov demanded a 15-year employment contract with substantial compensation as part of the alleged blackmail scheme.
Morissette, known for her 1995 album "Jagged Little Pill," has also been open about personal struggles, including debilitating postpartum depression and a teenage eating disorder. Despite these challenges and past betrayals, she continues to tour and perform, recently participating in Olivia Rodrigo's music festival alongside other notable artists. Her contributions to music were recognized with her induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this year.