Aayush Pathak
David Copperfield, the renowned illusionist, is facing a lawsuit seeking over $2.5 million for alleged damage to his luxury New York City condominium. The lawsuit, filed on August 6 by the board of managers of the Galleria Condominium, claims that Copperfield “trashed” his penthouse unit before abandoning it in 2018, leaving it in a state of “utter disrepair.”
Allegations of Neglect
Copperfield purchased the expansive penthouse on East 57th Street in 1997 for approximately $7.4 million. After a year, he transferred ownership to a shell company, Sky Tower, which he controls. The lawsuit alleges that the unit, located on the 54th floor and touted as the largest in the building, has suffered extensive damage that requires significant repairs, not only to his unit but also to neighboring apartments and the building’s common areas.
The board’s complaint details severe cosmetic damage, including ruined carpeting, peeling paint, and a filthy bathtub. However, it also highlights more serious structural issues, such as unrepaired water damage that threatens the concrete integrity of the building and has led to mold and mildew growth. The lawsuit claims this deterioration actively endangers other residents.
Copperfield’s Response
In response to the lawsuit, a representative for Copperfield stated that the photographs included in the filing do not accurately reflect the current state of the apartment. “This is a simple insurance claim,” the representative noted, emphasizing that the matter will be handled in court.
The board alleges that Copperfield has neglected necessary repairs and has only performed “band-aid repairs” to cosmetic issues. They argue that his failure to address the underlying problems poses risks to the health and safety of other residents. The lawsuit also claims that a valve servicing Copperfield’s unit failed, resulting in approximately $2.5 million in damages to the condominium’s common elements and elevator systems.
A Tumultuous History
The lawsuit paints a picture of Copperfield as a problematic resident, citing several incidents during his time in the building. Notably, in 2015, a burst rooftop pool caused extensive flooding due to allegedly “illegal and ineffective” plumbing. Additionally, the complaint details a history of disputes with the condo board, including violations related to his private elevator.
The board’s filing includes photographs and reports from architects who assessed the damage, confirming their worst fears regarding the state of Copperfield’s unit. They claim that the level of dilapidation far exceeds cosmetic issues, with significant structural concerns remaining unaddressed since Copperfield vacated the property.
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