Ill Niño drummer Dave Chavarri and bassist Laz Pina have sued former guitarist Marc Rizzo and his girlfriend, and they're asking a Texas court for a restraining order.

The petition was filed in the 14th Judicial District Court in Dallas by Chavarri, Pina and their wives. It names Rizzo, his live-in girlfriend and three unidentified people. It alleges an online harassment campaign going back to around 2022, including fake social media accounts used to spread false claims about the two wives. The filing also claims Rizzo contacted customers of Chavarri's touring rental business and accused it of illegal practices. The plaintiffs describe the conduct as "intentional, willful, wanton and with malice." They are seeking a temporary restraining order, an injunction, damages and a jury trial. Rizzo played in Ill Niño until 2003 and returned from 2021 to 2024. He and his girlfriend have not publicly responded, and no hearing date has been reported.

Photo: Stefan Bollmann