Ill Nino drummer Dave Chavarri and bassist Laz Pina, along with their wives, have filed for a temporary restraining order against former Ill Nino guitarist Marc Rizzo, his girlfriend Christine Samaroo, and three unidentified individuals, alleging an ongoing campaign of harassment, defamation, and business interference. 

The plaintiffs filed in the 14th Judicial District Court in Dallas, Texas, alleging that beginning around 2022, Chavarri, Pina, and their wives were subjected to sustained online harassment through social media and other means. The complaint alleges fake accounts spread false statements about the wives before the conduct escalated to personal attacks and the disclosure of confidential personal information. Rizzo previously apologized to Chavarri and Pina for Samaroo‘s alleged online behavior, but the plaintiffs claim the harassment continued afterward and that Samaroo enlisted additional individuals to participate.

The complaint also involves Chavarri‘s touring rental business, with the plaintiffs alleging Rizzo contacted customers and associates to make false claims about illegal and improper business practices and interfere with current and prospective contracts, resulting in financial harm.

Five counts are outlined: libel per se, business disparagement, two claims of tortious interference with existing and prospective contracts, and a request for a temporary restraining order and injunction. The plaintiffs characterize the alleged conduct as “intentional, willful, wanton and with malice” and are also seeking financial damages and a jury trial.

Dave Chavarri is the sole remaining original member of Ill Nino. Laz Pina joined approximately a year after the band’s formation. Marc Rizzo served as Ill Nino‘s lead guitarist until 2003, when he departed to join Soulfly, then returned for a second stint from 2021 to 2024. The allegations have not been adjudicated by the court. Neither Rizzo nor Samaroo has publicly responded.