Danny Elfman, renowned composer and former Oingo Boingo singer, has failed in his attempt to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by composer Nomi Abadi regarding statements he made to Rolling Stone in 2023.

Photo Credit: Sachyn / CC by 3.0

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer rejected Elfman's motion to dismiss, ruling that his statements to Rolling Stone did not qualify for litigation privilege. Elfman had claimed his comments were protected free speech made in anticipation of suing Rolling Stone - a lawsuit that never materialized.

Abadi's lawsuit, filed in July 2023, alleges that Elfman defamed her through "appalling lies" in his letter to Rolling Stone, specifically regarding claims that he never engaged in sexual misconduct toward her. The case stems from a previous non-public settlement and nondisclosure agreement between the parties, following Abadi's accusations of multiple instances of sexual misconduct between 2015 and 2016. Abadi had separately sued Elfman for allegedly failing to pay the full settlement amount of $830,000.

Elfman's attorney, Camille Vasquez - known for representing Johnny Depp in his defamation case against Amber Heard - expressed disagreement with the ruling and announced plans to appeal. "We are optimistic that the Court of Appeal will agree with us that this case ought to be dismissed," Vasquez told Variety.

The lawsuit challenges Elfman's attempt to characterize his statements as opinion rather than fact, and criticizes his team for portraying Abadi 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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