Singer Margol Sued for Millions Over Alleged 'Slave-Like' Conditions

Yanai Rafan, former personal manager to singer Margalit Tzanani, known as Margol, has filed a lawsuit seeking 3 million shekels, alleging he was subjected to "slave-like conditions," humiliation, and physical abuse during their 12-year working relationship. The lawsuit, filed in Tel Aviv Labor Court, claims Rafan was fired immediately and without a hearing.

Rafan's legal action, brought against Tzanani, her son Assaf Lavie Tzanani, and her company Margol Productions and Performances Ltd., details how their professional relationship began in August 2011 when Tzanani was under house arrest related to a blackmail case. Rafan, who ran an independent artists' agency, took on her management to help rebuild her career, initially accepting a 25% commission. Their agreement was verbal, as Tzanani reportedly refused a written contract, stating it indicated a lack of trust.

According to the lawsuit, Rafan was responsible for nearly every aspect of Tzanani's professional life, organizing dozens of performances annually, handling negotiations, and securing her participation in TV shows like "X Factor" and "The Next Star." He also facilitated commercial campaigns and collaborations with artists like Idan Raichel and Ofer Nissim. However, Rafan claims the relationship soured in November 2021 when Tzanani demanded his exclusive commitment, forcing him to leave his job with singer Maor Edri and forgo a steady salary.

Rafan alleges he was required to work on 58 Saturdays and 104 nights, often responding to messages within minutes, and was reprimanded for unavailability. He also claims he served as Tzanani's personal driver, coordinating her transportation for over 150 days. The suit further states that Tzanani's son, Assaf Lavie Tzanani, was actively involved in managing the company, signing agreements and exchanging thousands of work-related messages with Rafan.

The lawsuit also details allegations of physical abuse, including two incidents in the summer of 2025 where Tzanani allegedly scratched Rafan's arm forcefully while he was driving. Rafan also claims he endured public humiliation, being asked to carry Tzanani's bag and prepare her coffee in front of industry professionals. He continued to manage her affairs even when ill, including arranging performances and transportation from his sickbed in December 2025.

Rafan further alleges he was forced to provide false explanations to producers and media on Tzanani's behalf, particularly when she canceled commitments. He cites an incident in June 2022 where Tzanani was unable to perform at Bar Refaeli's birthday party, and he had to provide a fabricated reason to the guests. In another instance in October 2023, he claims he falsely told a hospital that Tzanani was in the north to avoid a volunteer visit to an injured soldier.

The final break occurred on April 9, 2026, when Tzanani failed to respond to Rafan's confirmation of upcoming performances. Instead, her lawyer informed him of Tzanani's hospitalization and intention to cancel, though Rafan had not received medical confirmation. Rafan refused to deliver the cancellation notice himself, leading to a complete cessation of communication. He was eventually informed of his termination through media reports about 20 days later. Rafan claims he lost his sole source of income and is owed commissions for performances he secured before their relationship ended, totaling 337,700 shekels. He is also seeking 2,512,206 shekels for rights accrued under an employee-employer relationship, including severance pay, compensation for unfair dismissal, overtime, and pension contributions, plus damages for emotional distress and lack of recognition.