Avicii Director Strikes Back at Former Manager 'Ash' in Defamation Dispute

Avicii director Levan Tsikurishvili is hitting back against Arash Pournouri. In a nine-page letter, his lawyer dismantles 'Ash's' arguments.

Last spring, Arash Pournouri, 43—Tim 'Avicii' Bergling's former manager and now a judge on 'Idol'—sued director Levan Tsikurishvili, 41, for gross defamation.

This is a private prosecution, meaning Pournouri is pursuing the case himself, rather than a prosecutor.

'Ash' has long been dissatisfied with his portrayal in Tsikurishvili's documentary 'Avicii: True Stories'.

An Instagram post by the director last spring prompted Pournouri to take legal action.

'I have endured a false narrative that I—out of respect for Tim's memory and family—have actively chosen not to engage in,' wrote 'Ash' on LinkedIn.

'Enough is enough.'

Now, Levan Tsikurishvili has responded to the lawsuit through his lawyers Magnus Dahlman and Sara Eilert.

Director's Response

He denies the defamation charges and refuses to pay damages.

'Arash Pournouri has not been portrayed as criminal or contemptible in his lifestyle. No information has been provided that would subject Arash Pournouri to others' disdain,' the lawyers write.

'Ash' claims the director 'alleged or insinuated' that he 'caused Tim Bergling's mental suffering and indirectly bore responsibility for his death'.

'The statements Arash Pournouri cited in the description of the offense were not made by Levan Tsikurishvili in the Instagram post,' Tsikurishvili's lawyers state.

Expressen has sought comment from Tsikurishvili's lawyer.