Avicii's Former Manager's Lawsuit Against Estate Reinstated by Swedish Appeals Court
A lawsuit filed by Avicii's former manager, Arash "Ash" Pournouri, against the late DJ's estate has been reinstated by a Swedish appeals court. The court ruled that the initial dismissal of the case by a Stockholm District Court judge was not properly evaluated. Pournouri claimed that the estate violated a non-disparagement clause in their contract by portraying him negatively in books and a documentary following Avicii's death.
Pournouri alleged that the documentary and biographies falsely depicted him as a "manipulative slavedriver" who pushed Avicii to suicide through overwork and pressure to perform. He argued that he supported Avicii's decision to stop touring and saw it as a positive step. The appeals court found that a more thorough analysis was needed before dismissing the case.
In response to the court's decision, Pournouri stated that the initial dismissal of his claim was a procedural error and has now been overturned. The Avicii estate declined to comment on the matter. Avicii's father expressed sadness over the use of his son's name in the legal context and reiterated that they had never blamed Pournouri for Avicii's suicide.
In addition to the lawsuit against Avicii's estate, Pournouri also sued the director of the documentary for defamation, but the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The legal battle between Pournouri and Avicii's estate continues as the case is sent back to the District Court for further review.