Lawyers for famed illusionist David Copperfield have denied allegations made by 16 women in a new report alleging sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior spanning decades.
More than half of the women who made allegations in a US Guardian investigation published on Tuesday said they were teenagers at the time of the alleged incidents, which range from the late 1980s to 2014 and include claims that the magician He drugged three women before having sexual relations with them. them, relationships to which they felt they could not consent. Four of the women alleged they were groped or forced to touch the artist “in a sexual manner during live on-stage performances,” according to the report.
Copperfield's lawyers told the publication that the allegations “are not only completely false but also completely implausible.”
The 67-year-old's legal representatives, who denied any wrongdoing, described him as an advocate of the #MeToo movement and said he “never acted inappropriately with anyone, much less anyone underage.” They said a “truthful” description of Copperfield would describe his “kindness, shyness, and treatment of men and women with respect.”
The Las Vegas star entertainer has been dogged by allegations of misconduct for years, which his lawyers characterized as “numerous false claims” made against him.
In a statement to the Times on Thursday, a representative for Copperfield further rejected the allegations made in the Guardian report, saying they were a repeat of false statements made in the past.
“Everyone who knows David Copperfield will tell you that these recent newspaper allegations are the exact opposite of who David is. “In fact, David has a history of risking his career to help protect women from powerful predators,” the statement said. “Most of these historic accusations have been made before and they are all as false now as they were then. “
The representative said Copperfield requested “evidence” on which the allegations claim to be based and has not been provided with it, adding that when US authorities looked into the matter, “it was thoroughly investigated and it was discovered that there was simply no case to answer.” ”.
“The Guardian's characterization is not who David is, and it continues to support anyone who has experienced any form of abuse or discrimination,” the statement continued. “The movement must succeed, but false accusations must stop for it to flourish. “David will consider the position with his legal team and take whatever action is appropriate in the face of these false and defamatory allegations.”
Copperfield, one of the first post-Houdini superstar illusionists, was also among several prominent figures named in newly revealed court documents who were said to be associated with Jeffrey Epstein, the late disgraced financier accused of organizing a sex trafficking ring involving to such young girls. like 14.
