Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic
The legacy of Tim Bergling, known globally as Avicii, has been explored through numerous lens since his tragic passing in 2018. However, a new legal battle has emerged that challenges the popular narrative surrounding his career. Ash Pournouri, the man who managed Avicii during his meteoric rise, has filed a defamation lawsuit in the Stockholm District Court against the late DJ’s estate. The suit alleges that several high-profile biographical works have engaged in “character assassination” by misrepresenting Pournouri’s professional conduct and personal relationship with the artist.
Challenging the Documentary Narrative
The core of the dispute centers on the 2016 Netflix documentary Avicii: True Stories and two major biographies released in 2021 and 2024. Pournouri claims these works paint a distorted picture of him as an exploitative manager who ruthlessly pushed Bergling to continue touring despite his deteriorating mental health. A specific point of contention involves a filmed comment where Pournouri says Bergling is “going to die” from the pressure. While the documentary uses this to imply a warning of physical collapse, Pournouri clarifies that the Swedish phrasing was intended to mean the DJ was “extremely excited.” He argues that the translation and editing have been used to create a “completely inaccurate” image of his management style.
According to the filing, a 2016 separation agreement was intended to prohibit both parties from disparaging one another or discussing the details of their partnership. Pournouri asserts that the estate’s participation in these media projects breached that deal. Taking to Instagram to explain his motivations, Pournouri described the lawsuit as a “final resort.” He insists the legal action isn’t about money—any damages awarded will be donated to charity—but rather about using the court to force documents into the light and ensure the historical record is grounded in “factual reality, not mere narratives.”
The Search for Truth in Music History
This case highlights the complex tension between the public’s desire for behind-the-scenes stories and the legal rights of the individuals involved. By seeking sworn testimony and official disclosure, Pournouri hopes to dismantle what he views as “PR spin” created for profit. As the Stockholm District Court reviews the case, the outcome may fundamentally change how we view the final years of Avicii’s career and the role of the people who helped build his global brand.
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