David Copperfield, the famous magician, is facing a lawsuit demanding over $2.5 million to cover the cost of repairing damage to a New York City condominium he owns. The lawsuit, filed on August 6, by the board of managers of the Galleria Condominium, claims Copperfield left his unit in a severe state of disrepair before abandoning it in 2018.
Copperfield, now 67, originally bought the condo in 1997. The following year, he transferred ownership to Sky Tower, a Nevada-based shell company he owns. The unit, located on the 54th floor of the luxury high-rise on East 57th Street, was reportedly once in pristine condition. However, the board now alleges that it has been left in such poor condition that the cost to repair not only his unit but also the neighboring ones and parts of the building totals $2.5 million.
The board included photos showing extensive damage to the unit’s carpeting, walls, ceiling, bathtub, and more, claiming that these damages blatantly violate the building’s upkeep standards. However, a representative for Copperfield has disputed this, stating that the photos do not represent the apartment’s current condition. The representative described the situation as a “simple insurance claim” and noted that the matter would be resolved in court.
The lawsuit goes on to claim that the damage to Copperfield’s condo is not just cosmetic. It alleges that the level of deterioration is much more severe, with issues that could threaten the building’s structural integrity. According to the suit, architects have pointed out that unrepaired water damage in Copperfield’s unit is so serious that it poses risks to the concrete structure of the building. The water damage has also allegedly led to mold and mildew growth, endangering other apartments in the building.
Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Copperfield caused a valve, which exclusively services his unit, to fail. This failure allegedly resulted in approximately $2.5 million in damages to the building’s common areas and elevator systems.
The board also accuses Copperfield of not taking these issues seriously, claiming he has only made minor cosmetic repairs while neglecting the more severe problems. They question his motivation for allowing his own apartment to fall into such a state of decay, especially since he still owns the unit and is attempting to sell it.
The lawsuit also references Copperfield’s “tumultuous” history in the condo before he moved out in 2018. It cites several incidents, including a 2015 incident where a rooftop pool burst due to “illegal and ineffective” plumbing fixtures, causing flooding throughout 30 stories of the building. The board further alleges that Copperfield filled the unit with a variety of unusual items, such as fortune-telling machines, classic arcade games, and even hazing devices used by fraternities in the early 1900s.
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The lawsuit concludes by accusing Copperfield of refusing to take responsibility for the damage he has caused, denying any accountability, and failing to address the consequences of his actions.
