Longtime Ill Nino drummer Dave Chavarri and bassist Laz Pina are among those seeking a temporary restraining order and injunction against the group’s former guitarist Marc Rizzo and his live-in girlfriend, claiming an ongoing campaign of harassment.

What Is the Lawsuit Between the Onetime Ill Nino Bandmates About?

The legal action taken by Chavarri, Pina, and their wives is against Rizzo, his live-in girlfriend Christine Samaroo, and three “John Doe’s” who are believed to be unidentified individuals associated with Samaroo in the alleged actions against the two Ill Nino members and their wives.

In documents filed by Chavarri, Pina, and their wives, they have applied for a temporary restraining order and temporary injunction in the 14th judicial district court in Dallas, Texas. They are seeking financial relief as well as a judgment on additional relief they are deemed entitled to as possibly granted by a court case.

The filing alleges that beginning in or around 2022, a war of online harassment through social media and other modalities was conducted against the two musicians and their wives. Initially, the harassment was allegedly perpetrated against the wives through a series of online attacks using fake accounts to spread false rumors about their character. They claim it was Samaroo who would spy primarily on Chavarri’s wife and comment on anything she would post on socials.

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The harassment escalated to personal attacks on the drummer and his character while disclosing confidential personal information. Additional false allegations are said to have been made to Pina’s wife about her husband’s character.

According to the filing, Rizzo had apologized to Chavarri and Pina about Samaroo’s online behavior, but even after the apologies, the harassment continued. They now claim that Samaroo has engaged others to continue the campaign of intimidation and harassment.

The application from Chavarri and Pina also states that Chavarri has been accused by the defendants of illegal and unsavory business practices concerning his touring rental business. They also share that Rizzo had reached out to customers and friends of the drummer defaming the business and trying to impact future contracts.

The plaintiffs claim that these actions have caused financial injury, and they are seeking damages.

What Are the Counts Filed?

The legal documents contain five counts. The first two concern libel per se and business disparagement, while the second two address tortious interference within existing and potential contracts and business relationships. The fifth count pertains to the application for a temporary restraining order and temporary injunction.

The plaintiffs allege that the actions against them were “intentional, willful, wanton, and with malice.” They are requesting a jury trial seeking a financial judgment and have asked for the restraining order an injunction to be filed.

The Ill Nino History

Dave Chavarri remains the only original member of Ill Nino, with Rizzo joining shortly after the band formed. Pina was added as the bassist about a year after the group’s formation.

Rizzo was the band’s lead guitarist until 2003 and returned for a stint between 2021 and 2024.

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