Alanis Morissette has initiated legal proceedings against her former tour manager, accusing her of orchestrating a coercive scheme aimed at implicating Morissette in drug trafficking unless she signed a lengthy contract. The lawsuit, filed in California and obtained by CBC News, alleges that Keren Urinov threatened to report Morissette to British authorities for drug-related offenses unless Morissette hired her as a tour director for 15 years and provided substantial compensation.
Morissette has brought forth claims of civil extortion, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation against Urinov, asserting her refusal to succumb to blackmail tactics and her determination to expose and hold Urinov accountable for her actions.
The incident unfolded in July 2025, during Morissette’s world tour, when Urinov, previously associated with Live Nation’s Israeli operations, was serving as a temporary tour manager. At a U.K. airport en route to Spain for a concert, Urinov’s bag was flagged by British Border Force officials, leading to her arrest on suspicion of possessing marijuana and xylazine, a non-opioid animal tranquilizer. Although she presented an Israeli medical marijuana license and was subsequently released, Urinov faced further questioning the following day regarding the same bag.
Following the tour’s conclusion, Urinov allegedly resorted to sending a series of threatening letters to Morissette and her legal team, demanding a fixed 15-year contract with substantial compensation and immigration assistance to work in the United States. The lawsuit highlights instances where Urinov’s managerial competence was questioned, citing a significant financial loss due to a hotel booking error and undisclosed criminal history involving drug smuggling in Latin America.
Despite being hesitant to pursue legal action, Morissette felt compelled to sue Urinov to prevent further coercion and financial demands. She is seeking a trial by jury in this matter. CBC News has reached out to Urinov and Morissette’s representatives for comments but has not received a response.