David Copperfield sued for over $2.5 million by NYC condo board for alleged property damage

David Copperfield has been sued by the board of the Galleria Condominium, a luxury high-rise in Manhattan, for over $2.5 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed on August 6, 2024, claims that Copperfield “trashed” his 54th-floor penthouse before abandoning it in 2018. The board alleges that the unit, which was once “pristine,” is now in a “state of utter disrepair,” requiring extensive repairs not only to Copperfield's condo but also to neighboring units and the building’s structure.

The board’s complaint includes photos showing severe damage to the carpeting, walls, ceiling, and bathtub, which they say “plainly violates” the building’s upkeep standards. More concerning, the lawsuit cites “unrepaired water damage” that reportedly endangers the building’s concrete structure and has led to mold and mildew growth, posing risks to other apartments.

Copperfield, who purchased the condo in 1997, transferred ownership to a Nevada shell company the following year. A representative for Copperfield dismissed the board’s claims, stating, “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.”

The board also accused Copperfield of neglecting serious issues in the condo, such as a failed valve that allegedly caused $2.5 million in damage to the building’s common areas and elevator systems. They further allege that Copperfield left the unit filled with novelties, including fortune-telling machines and arcade games, which contributed to the damage.

The case remains pending in the New York State Supreme Court.