A total of 16 women have accused Copperfield of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior spanning decades. More than half said they were teenagers at the time. Copperfield’s lawyers say the allegations are ‘not only completely false but also entirely implausible’
Lucy Osborne and Stephanie Kirchgaessner
Wed 15 May 2024 10.00 EDT
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The celebrated American magician David Copperfield has been accused by 16 women of engaging in sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior, according to a Guardian US investigation.
More than half of the allegations are from women who said they were under 18 at the time of the incidents. Some said they were as young as 15, although he may not have known their ages.
The allegations against him include claims that he drugged three women before he had sexual relations with them, which they felt they were unable to consent to.
The claims against the 67-year-old illusionist – which he has denied – span from the late 1980s to 2014.
The Guardian US is examining these allegations as part of a series of stories that has drawn on interviews with more than 100 people and court and police records.
The women who have made allegations about Copperfield’s behavior met him through his work as one of the most successful entertainers in the world.
Some of the women told the Guardian it was only in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement that they had felt able to speak out about their alleged experiences with Copperfield. Some agreed to be named in the Guardian’s articles. Those who wanted to be quoted on the condition of anonymity are marked* with an asterisk.
Asked about the claims, Copperfield denied wrongdoing of any kind.
In written responses, his lawyers told the Guardian that he has “never acted inappropriately with anyone, let alone anyone underage”. They said a “truthful” depiction of Copperfield would describe his “kindness, shyness and treatment of men and women with respect”.
They said Copperfield is a champion of the #MeToo movement, which has encouraged women to come forward and tell their stories of alleged abuse.
They also said there had previously been “numerous false claims” made against him.
Revealed: Magician David Copperfield accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women
A total of 16 women have accused Copperfield of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior spanning decades. More than half said they were teenagers at the time. Copperfield’s lawyers say the allegations are ‘not only completely false but also entirely implausible’
www.theguardian.com
