Arash “Ash” Pournouri, the former manager of the late EDM legend Avicii, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Levan Tsikurishvili, the director of the 2017 documentary Avicii: True Stories. The lawsuit, filed in Stockholm District Court, accuses the documentary of misrepresenting Pournouri’s involvement in Avicii’s career, specifically alleging that the film falsely depicted him as someone who pressured the legendary DJ to perform despite his well-documented health issues.
This legal action reignites tensions surrounding the controversial portrayal of Avicii’s life and career, particularly the narrative surrounding his relationships with those closest to him, including his manager. Pournouri, who played an instrumental role in Avicii’s meteoric rise to global stardom, is now seeking to correct what he believes are harmful and inaccurate portrayals of him that have persisted since the documentary’s release. The lawsuit brings a fresh wave of scrutiny over how Avicii’s life and tragic passing have been represented in the media and film, as well as the lasting impact of the documentary.
The Lawsuit: Key Allegations
The crux of the defamation lawsuit is the claim that Avicii: True Stories misrepresented Pournouri’s role in the late DJ’s career, particularly focusing on a moment in the documentary that implied he may have pressured Avicii into performing despite the DJ’s declining health. The film, which was meant to document Avicii’s rise to fame, his struggles with mental health, and his decision to step away from live performances, has faced criticism since its release for portraying several figures in the EDM community in a negative light, including Pournouri.
According to Sweden Herald reports, Pournouri alleges that the film casts him in an unfair and damaging light, creating an impression that he was responsible for encouraging Avicii to ignore medical advice. Pournouri has strongly denied these claims, stating that the depiction of his actions in the documentary does not align with the truth of his professional relationship with Avicii.
Tsikurishvili’s Instagram Post: The Catalyst for Legal Action
The lawsuit comes after a recent Instagram post from Levan Tsikurishvili, which appears to have prompted Pournouri to take legal action. Although Tsikurishvili did not directly name Pournouri in the post, he made comments about the documentary that many, including Pournouri, interpreted as a veiled reference to him. In his Swedish-language post, Tsikurishvili suggested that the film’s focus on Avicii’s personal journey might have spared certain individuals from deeper scrutiny. He further implied that delving into a “certain person’s” role in the story could have led to a far more negative portrayal.
For Pournouri, these remarks seemed like a direct attack, and he responded swiftly, taking to both Instagram and LinkedIn to share his frustration. In his statement, Pournouri expressed that he had previously refrained from commenting on the documentary’s portrayal out of respect for Avicii’s memory and his family’s wishes. However, the continued spread of false accusations left him with no choice but to pursue legal action in order to stop the ongoing damage to his reputation.
Pournouri’s Statement and Legal Strategy
In his social media statements, Pournouri explained his decision to take legal action, making it clear that the goal was to ensure the truth came to light. “Out of respect for Tim’s memory and his family, I chose not to engage with the false narrative surrounding me for a long time,” he wrote. “But as lies and false accusations continue to spread, I am left with no choice but to pursue legal action. The objective is simple: to put an end to the lies and to make the facts known once and for all.”
Pournouri’s comments underscore the personal and emotional toll that the portrayal of Avicii’s life in the documentary has had on him. He has repeatedly expressed his deep respect for Avicii and his family and has stated that his actions are driven by the need to defend both his professional legacy and Avicii’s.
Pournouri has not only taken legal action but is also using his platform to call attention to what he sees as a broader issue within the entertainment industry: the way in which people involved in an artist’s career can be unfairly vilified when the focus is placed on sensationalized aspects of their story. Through this lawsuit, he hopes to shift the conversation from speculation and hearsay to the truth.
The Aftermath of Avicii’s Tragic Death
The death of Avicii in 2018 shocked the world and left an indelible mark on the music industry. The late DJ, known for hits like “Wake Me Up” and “Levels,” had been struggling with mental health issues and the pressures of fame for years. His passing at the age of 28 raised many questions about the toll that fame takes on an artist, and the role that management, family, and friends play in supporting them.
In the wake of Avicii’s death, there was a surge of interest in his life story, and Avicii: True Stories was released to provide an intimate look at the DJ’s struggles and the reasons behind his decision to step away from the stage. However, the documentary’s portrayal of various individuals in Avicii’s life, including Pournouri, has sparked controversy. Many fans and industry figures have criticized the film for presenting a one-sided narrative that oversimplifies the complexities of Avicii’s relationships and struggles.
Pournouri’s lawsuit highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the events surrounding Avicii’s career. It also brings attention to the ongoing debate about how documentaries and biographical films shape public perceptions of both the people involved in an artist’s life and the artists themselves.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for the Case?
As Pournouri’s defamation lawsuit proceeds through the courts, it is likely to bring more attention to the issues of media representation, the ethical responsibility of filmmakers, and the legacy of Avicii. The case may not only clarify the details of Pournouri’s role in Avicii’s life but could also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly in the entertainment and music industries.
For now, Pournouri’s primary goal remains clear: to stop the spread of misinformation and to ensure that Avicii’s story, as well as his own, is told with accuracy and respect.