Singer Margalit Tzanani Sued for Millions Over Alleged Abuse and Lies
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Former manager Yanai Rafan is suing singer Margalit Tzanani for over three million shekels, alleging physical abuse, humiliation, and being forced to lie for her. The lawsuit includes claims of Tzanani refusing to visit a wounded soldier during the war and lying about her absence from Bar Refaeli's birthday party. Rafan also alleges physical assault by Tzanani and wrongful termination after 15 years of employment. Tzanani's legal representative stated the suit had not been served and expects it to be dismissed.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Singer Margalit Tzanani is sued for over 3 million shekels by her former manager Yanai Rafan.
- The lawsuit alleges physical violence, humiliation, and being forced to lie on Tzanani's behalf.
- Tzanani allegedly refused to visit a severely wounded soldier during the recent war.
- Rafan claims Tzanani instructed him to lie about her absence from Bar Refaeli's birthday party.
- The suit details alleged physical abuse by Tzanani, including scratching his arm twice.
- Rafan seeks compensation for wrongful termination after 15 years of employment.
Singer Margalit Tzanani is facing a lawsuit for over three million shekels filed by her manager of the past 14 years, Yanai Rafan. The lawsuit, submitted to the Regional Labor Court in Tel Aviv, details allegations of physical violence, humiliating treatment, being forced to lie on Tzanani's behalf, and wrongful termination.
Among the most serious claims is Tzanani's alleged conduct during the recent war. Rafan claims that on October 17, 2023, a severely wounded soldier, who had lost a limb, requested a visit from Tzanani at Tel Hashomer Hospital. According to the lawsuit, Tzanani instructed Rafan to decline all volunteer and performance requests, telling him to say she was unavailable or in the north.
Another incident cited involves a June 2022 birthday party for model and TV host Bar Refaeli. Rafan alleges he was forced to lie to Refaeli and her mother, Tzipi Refaeli, about Tzanani's absence from the performance. Tzanani was reportedly in a state preventing her from performing, though not ill, and instructed Rafan to lie about the situation. They reportedly drove near the venue, Ronit Farm, but did not enter. Musicians Ronen Rachmani, Marco Cohen, and Guy Nachmias, along with the family and guests, were waiting. Rafan claims Tzipi Refaeli held a grudge against him for years due to these lies.
The lawsuit also details alleged physical abuse. Rafan claims Tzanani scratched his arm twice while they were in a car after performances in the summer of 2025. The first incident occurred on the Ayalon Highway, where Tzanani allegedly scratched him during an argument when he asked her to film a short video for a client. The second incident happened in the Begin Tunnel in Tel Aviv, where she allegedly yelled at him and, when he questioned her behavior, responded, "Are you choosing to argue with me? I am like your mother."
Rafan further alleges that Tzanani's behavior extended to her close friend, lawyer Shani Iluz, when Iluz ran for mayor of Tiberias in 2023. Tzanani allegedly refused to travel to Tiberias for a support event unless paid a full fee, instructing Rafan to quote a high price, which resulted in the performance not happening.
Rafan claims Tzanani demanded his constant availability and exclusivity, leading him to leave his work with singer Maoz Edri in November 2021 to manage her exclusively. The lawsuit states the situation culminated on April 9, 2026, when Tzanani wanted to cancel a performance with Dudu Tassa at a guitar festival in Eilat. Rafan refused to relay the message, insisting she cancel it herself. He claims Tzanani then cut off contact without a hearing or formal termination notice after nearly 15 years of work.
Rafan is seeking recognition as a salaried employee, social benefits, compensation for wrongful termination, and unpaid commissions. Tzanani's lawyer, Amit Horowitz, stated the lawsuit had not yet been served and declined to comment on the allegations, expressing confidence it would be dismissed.
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