A defamation lawsuit filed by composer Nomi Abadi against Danny Elfman has been partially dismissed by a California judge. Abadi had alleged that Elfman sexually harassed her in 2016 and settled the claims a year later. However, a ruling by Judge Gail Kilfer from the Los Angeles County Superior Court stated that Abadi made “horrific lies” that damaged Elfman’s reputation during a July 2023 interview with Rolling Stone. Nevertheless, the judge allowed portions of Abadi’s lawsuit to proceed, indicating that certain claims may have “minimal merit.”
In her ruling, the judge referenced evidence that supported the notion that Abadi’s accusations of sexual misconduct are not entirely unfounded. The court noted communications between the two, including text messages that suggested a degree of intimacy. Elfman’s admissions, including a statement about having “flirted naked” with Abadi, were also highlighted as contradicting his outright denial of her allegations.
Elfman defended himself in the Rolling Stone article, stating that he believed Abadi had ulterior motives and accused him of trying to distance himself from her. The judge found portions of his statements false and ruled that they went beyond mere opinions, thus not protected under litigation privilege. Elfman’s attorney, Camille Vasquez, expressed the intent to appeal the ruling, asserting that they believe the case should be dismissed entirely.
Abadi filed her defamation suit on July 10, 2024, claiming reputational damage and emotional distress due to Elfman’s public statements labeling her a liar. The judge clarified that the legal timeline for the case began with the publication of the Rolling Stone article, rather than the date Elfman responded to it. Abadi’s attorney, Eric George, has not commented on the matter at this time.