Alanis Morissette has filed a lawsuit against her former tour manager Keren Urinov, alleging civil extortion, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation stemming from a working relationship in 2025, according to court documents obtained by People. The legal action claims the singer was targeted in a calculated blackmail campaign after refusing to comply with employment demands.
Lawsuit Details and Extortion Allegations
The lawsuit details a series of escalating demands from Urinov and her legal team. According to court filings cited by People, the dispute began after Morissette and her team traveled to Spain. During the trip, Urinov was flagged for inspection and detained at a U.K. airport.
Court documents state that Urinov informed Morissette she was arrested and authorities issued a seizure notice alleging marijuana and xylazine were in her bag. Urinov reportedly showed officials her Israeli medical marijuana license and was subsequently released, per People.
Following the incident, Urinov allegedly sent increasingly extortionate letters threatening to sue the seven-time Grammy winner. The suit claims Urinov demanded a 15-year, full-time employment contract featuring an income equivalent to a tour director, complete with annual increases and bonuses. “Plaintiff Alanis Morissette is the victim of a calculated blackmail campaign orchestrated by a disgruntled former tour manager,” the lawsuit states, per People. “Morissette will not agree to work with an incompetent blackmailer for the next 15 years or pay her a ransom under the gun.”
When Morissette refused these demands, Urinov and her lawyer allegedly sent another letter implying she would accuse the singer of drug trafficking, according to People.
Prior Financial Disputes and Legal Precedents
This is not the first time Morissette has faced severe financial exploitation from a member of her management team. In 2017, her former manager Jonathan Todd Schwartz admitted to embezzling more than $7 million from Morissette and several other celebrity clients, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter.
Schwartz subsequently penned an apology essay for The Hollywood Reporter addressing his actions. “To say I am incredibly ashamed and disappointed in myself is an understatement,” Schwartz wrote at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Alanis Morissette suing her former tour manager?
Alanis Morissette filed a lawsuit alleging civil extortion, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation against Keren Urinov, claiming Urinov led a calculated blackmail campaign after the singer refused to sign a 15-year employment contract, according to People.
What sparked the dispute between Morissette and Urinov?
The conflict followed a 2025 incident where Urinov was detained at a U.K. airport while traveling with Morissette to Spain, where authorities questioned her over items found in her bag, per People.
Has Morissette faced management issues before?
Yes. In 2017, former manager Jonathan Todd Schwartz admitted to embezzling over $7 million from Morissette and other clients, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
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