In a recent turn of events, the world-renowned illusionist David Copperfield finds himself in a legal entanglement not over a vanishing act on stage, but rather over his Manhattan penthouse. The Galleria, a condominium on East 57th Street, has filed a lawsuit against Copperfield, alleging that the magician has caused approximately $3 million in damages to his “formerly pristine multi-level penthouse” and to other tenants’ homes as well.
The lawsuit paints a picture of neglect and decay, claiming that Copperfield’s penthouse, which he purchased for $7.4 million in 1997, has been left in a state of “utter disrepair.” The board of managers at the Galleria alleges that the damage extends beyond cosmetic issues, with peeling paint, mold, and water damage threatening the building’s concrete structure and the health and safety of residents.
The complaint contends that the 67-year-old Copperfield “refuses to confront the consequences of his actions and denies all responsibility for the damage he has caused to the building and his former neighbors.”
This is not the first time Copperfield’s apartment has been the subject of controversy. In 2015, a rooftop pool incident led to flooding in his penthouse and other apartments below. The lawsuit suggests that after Copperfield moved out in 2018, he failed to maintain the mechanical equipment exclusively servicing his four-level penthouse, leading to further incidents and damage.
The board claims that despite being sent a report outlining the unrepaired water damage and its implications, Copperfield has only made superficial repairs and has not addressed the more serious concerns. The complaint goes on to state that Copperfield is looking to sell the unit, though it is not currently listed, and he has not responded to the allegations of damage.
David Copperfield, known for his grand illusions and as the world’s highest-paid magician, owns real estate in many places and even owns 11 islands. He has yet to comment on the lawsuit but in an email that his lawyer sent after the story went public—along with numerous pictures that illustrated the dilapidated state of the apartments in question, wrote, “This is a simple insurance claim. The photographs included in the lawsuit don’t reflect the current state of the apartment. This is a court matter and will be handled in court.”
