Danny Elfman, famed composer of The Simpsons theme and the 1989 Batman score, has lost his attempt to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought by fellow composer Nomi Abadi.
The Los Angeles Superior Court ruled against Elfman’s motion, allowing Abadi’s case to move forward.
The lawsuit stems from statements Elfman made to Rolling Stone in March 2023, following an investigative report revealing a secret $830,000 sexual harassment settlement with Abadi. Judge Gail Killefer determined that Elfman’s claims lacked legal privilege, likening them to a press release rather than genuine prelitigation communications.
Abadi’s lawsuit accuses Elfman of defaming her by publicly denying allegations of sexual misconduct and portraying her as a scorned woman seeking revenge. The court rejected Elfman’s argument that his statements were opinions rather than assertions of fact. The judge noted, “A reasonable fact finder could conclude the statements declare or imply a provable false assertion of fact.”
Elfman’s legal team, led by Camille Vasquez—known for representing Johnny Depp in his defamation case against Amber Heard—plans to appeal. However, Judge Killefer has maintained that the lawsuit was filed within the statute of limitations, dismissing Elfman’s claims to the contrary.
Abadi alleges that the defamation harmed her reputation and career aspirations, with Elfman’s statements being widely circulated by major publications. Meanwhile, Elfman continues to compose for major projects, including the 2024 hit Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
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