Danny Elfman's Motion to Dismiss Nomi Abadi's Defamation Lawsuit Rejected by Court
Danny Elfman, renowned composer and former Oingo Boingo frontman, has failed in his attempt to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by composer Nomi Abadi regarding statements he made to Rolling Stone in 2023.
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Photo Credit: Sachyn / CC by 3.0
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer rejected Elfman's motion to dismiss, ruling that his comments to Rolling Stone were not protected by litigation privilege. Elfman had claimed his statements were protected free speech made in anticipation of suing Rolling Stone - a lawsuit that never materialized.
The case stems from Abadi's July 2023 lawsuit alleging Elfman defamed her in his communication with Rolling Stone. The dispute relates to a previous non-public settlement and nondisclosure agreement between the parties, following Abadi's accusations of sexual misconduct against Elfman between 2015 and 2016. Abadi had separately sued Elfman for allegedly failing to pay the full $830,000 settlement amount.
Elfman's legal team, led by attorney Camille Vasquez (known for representing Johnny Depp), plans to appeal the decision. "We respectfully disagree with the court's ruling and are optimistic that the Court of Appeal will agree with us that this case ought to be dismissed," Vasquez told Variety.
The original lawsuit challenges Elfman's statements denying any sexual misconduct toward Abadi. Her filing claims Elfman and his team wrongly portrayed her as a "scorned woman seeking revenge and money because she was rejected by her idol." Elfman continues to deny all allegations against him.
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