David Copperfield is facing a lawsuit from the board of the Galleria Condominium, a luxury high-rise in Manhattan, seeking over $2.5 million in damages. Filed on August 6, 2024, the lawsuit alleges that Copperfield left his 54th-floor penthouse in a state of severe disrepair before abandoning it in 2018. The board claims that the once “pristine” unit is now significantly damaged, requiring extensive repairs not only to Copperfield’s condo but also to neighboring units and the building’s structure.
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The complaint includes photos showing extensive damage to the carpeting, walls, ceiling, and bathtub, which the board argues violate the building’s maintenance standards. More critically, the lawsuit highlights “unrepaired water damage” that allegedly threatens the building’s concrete structure and has led to mold and mildew, potentially impacting other apartments.
Copperfield, who bought the condo in 1997 and transferred ownership to a Nevada shell company the following year, has denied the allegations. A representative for the magician stated, “The photographs included in the lawsuit don’t reflect the current state of the apartment. This is a court matter and will be addressed in court.”
Additionally, the board accuses Copperfield of neglecting serious issues in the condo, including a failed valve that reportedly caused $2.5 million in damage to the building’s common areas and elevator systems. They also claim that Copperfield left the unit filled with novelties, such as fortune-telling machines and arcade games, which contributed to the overall damage.
The case is currently pending in the New York State Supreme Court.
