Magician David Copperfield's neglected penthouse leads to $2.5 million lawsuit

Luxury condo board sues magician for severe damage to Manhattan highrise, claiming it threatens the building’s safety.

Famed illusionist David Copperfield is under legal scrutiny as his condominium board has filed a $2.5 million lawsuit against him. 

The lawsuit alleges that Copperfield's neglected Midtown penthouse has caused extensive damage, compromising the structural integrity of the 55-story Galleria luxury complex on East 57th Street. 

The board claims the damage resulted from incidents like a burst rooftop pool in 2015 due to "illegal and ineffective" plastic plumbing, and a failed valve last December that flooded several areas of the building.

Photos attached to the lawsuit depict the extent of the damage, showing peeling paint, crumbling ceilings, and mold growth, posing a risk to other residences. 

The board's attorney, Joshua Stricoff, commented that the allegations and evidence "speak for themselves" and emphasized the hope that Copperfield would address the issues. 

Despite the mounting evidence, a representative for Copperfield described the situation as "a simple insurance claim" and stated that the photos do not reflect the current state of the apartment.

The lawsuit also highlights Copperfield's eccentric tastes, describing the penthouse as a "spaceship-like assemblage" filled with oddities, including a 100-year-old trap chair and antique arcade games. 

This legal battle adds to Copperfield's recent troubles, following accusations of sexual misconduct earlier this year, which he has denied. 

The magician, who still owns the property through a shell company and continues a long-running Las Vegas residency, has yet to make substantial repairs to the unit amidst the ongoing controversies.