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

Yanai Rafan, the former personal manager for singer Margalit Tzanani, known as Margol, has filed a lawsuit seeking NIS 3 million, alleging he was subjected to "slave-like conditions," humiliation, and physical abuse during their 12-year working relationship. The lawsuit, filed in the Tel Aviv Regional 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, reportedly working for a 25% commission, as Tzanani refused a written contract, citing distrust.

According to the lawsuit, Rafan was responsible for nearly all aspects of Tzanani's career, 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 Doron Medali.

The situation allegedly deteriorated in November 2021 when Tzanani demanded Rafan work exclusively for her, forcing him to leave his position with singer Maor Edri. Rafan claims he was required to be available 24/7, working 58 Saturdays and 104 nights between 10 PM and 6 AM, with a two-minute average response time to her messages. He also alleges he served as her personal driver, transporting her to events on at least 150 days.

Rafan further claims Tzanani subjected him to physical abuse, recounting two incidents in the summer of 2025 where she allegedly scratched his arm intensely during arguments while he was driving. He also describes enduring humiliation, such as being asked to carry her bag and prepare her coffee in front of industry professionals. Despite being ill, he continued to manage her affairs, even arranging performances and transportation from his sickbed in December 2025.

The lawsuit also details instances where Rafan felt compelled to lie on Tzanani's behalf, including a situation in June 2022 where he claims he had to provide a false excuse to Bar Refaeli's mother and musicians when Tzanani was unable to attend a birthday party. In another case in October 2023, he alleges he told hospital staff that Tzanani was in the north when she was not, to avoid her having to visit a wounded soldier.

The final break occurred on April 9, 2026, after Tzanani allegedly failed to respond to Rafan's confirmation of her upcoming performances. Instead, her lawyer informed him of Tzanani's hospitalization and intention not to perform, though Rafan claims he received no medical documentation. He refused to relay the cancellation himself, leading to a complete communication breakdown. Rafan states he lost his sole source of income and is owed commissions for performances he secured before their relationship ended, totaling NIS 337,700. He is also seeking NIS 2,512,206 for rights accrued under an employer-employee relationship, including severance pay, compensation for unfair dismissal, overtime, and pension contributions, plus damages for emotional distress.