David Copperfield Accused of Trashing Luxury NYC Condo

Famed magician David Copperfield is facing a lawsuit accusing him of neglecting his upscale Manhattan condo and leaving it in such disrepair that it has caused over $2 million in damages to the building and neighboring units.

Allegations of Neglect

The lawsuit, filed by the board of the Galleria Condominium on East 57th Street, alleges that Copperfield has failed to properly maintain the unit since purchasing it in 1997. The suit claims that he has packed the condo with fortune-telling machines, arcade games, and “hazing devices,” and has stripped it of its furniture and fixtures since moving out in 2018.

Photos included in the lawsuit show paint chipping from the walls and ceilings, a filthy carpet, and a dirty and stained bathtub. The suit also alleges that water damage caused by a burst rooftop pool in 2015 has caused flooding to units as far as 30 stories below.

Damages to the Building and Units

The board’s lawsuit claims that Copperfield’s alleged neglect has caused significant damages to the building and neighboring units. They estimate that he has caused $1.9 million worth of damage to the building’s elevators and over $1 million worth of damage to other units.

Structural Hazards and Health Concerns

The lawsuit also alleges that the current condition of the condo poses potential safety and health hazards. The board hired a company to assess the damage, and the company found severe water damage, mold and mildew, and subsurface decay/damage. The report concluded that these issues “should not remain within an occupied building.”

Ongoing Litigation and Damages Sought

The board is seeking more than $2.5 million in damages from Copperfield. The case is currently being handled in court.