Alanis Morissette has initiated legal action against her former tour manager, accusing her of engaging in a calculated scheme to blackmail the Canadian singer-songwriter into signing a long-term contract by threatening to frame her for drug trafficking. The lawsuit, filed in California and obtained by CBC News, alleges that Keren Urinov demanded Morissette hire her as a tour director for 15 years and provide substantial compensation under the threat of reporting her to British authorities.
Morissette is suing Urinov for civil extortion, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation, asserting that she will not succumb to blackmail and is taking legal action to expose and hold Urinov accountable for her actions.
The incident stems from Urinov’s employment as a temporary tour manager for Morissette’s world tour in 2025. During a trip from the U.K. to Spain for a concert, Urinov was reportedly detained at the airport after a bag she claimed ownership of was flagged by British authorities for containing marijuana and xylazine. Despite possessing a medical marijuana license, Urinov was arrested but later released.
Following the tour’s conclusion, Urinov allegedly sent threatening letters to Morissette and her team, demanding a fixed 15-year contract with substantial compensation and additional benefits, including assistance with obtaining a work visa for the United States.
The lawsuit also highlights various concerns about Urinov’s management of the tour, including financial mismanagement and withholding information about her past criminal history. Morissette asserts that she felt compelled to pursue legal action against Urinov to prevent being coerced into a long-term partnership under duress.
Morissette is seeking a trial by jury in this matter. CBC News has reached out to Urinov and Morissette’s representatives for comment but has not received a response at the time of reporting.
