(NewsNation) — Magician David Copperfield is being accused of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior by 16 women, many of whom were teenagers at the time they say the abuse occurred.
A Guardian US investigation documented the accusations, with more than half coming from women who said they were under 18 at the time. Some were as young as 15.
Among the allegations are claims he drugged three women in order to have sex with them without their consent. The claims go back as far as the 1980s, with some happening as recently as 2014.
The women met Copperfield through his work as an entertainer, and one of them previously spoke out in 2018, accusing him of drugging and assaulting her in 1988. The woman, Brittney Lewis, was 17 at the time.
Four other women said Copperfield groped them or forced them to touch him inappropriately during live performances. One woman, who said she met Copperfield when she was 15, claimed he groomed her until she turned 18 and agreed to have consensual sex with him.
The high-profile illusionist has been recognized with multiple awards and world records for his work, earning him fame and record-breaking ticket sales. Some of his high-profile stunts have included vanishing and reappearing the Statue of Liberty and levitating over the Grand Canyon, which have earned him the title of a “Living Legend” from the Library of Congress.
However, the 67-year-old magician has faced accusations before, including a 2007 sexual assault allegation that did not go to trial. He was also among those named on lists of associates of billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was indicted on charges of child sex trafficking but died before his case could be brought to court.
Copperfield’s lawyers have denied the accusations against him and said they do not represent who he is.
“Everyone that knows David Copperfield will tell you that these recent allegations from one newspaper are the exact opposite of who David is. In fact, David has a record of risking his career to help protect women from powerful predators. Most of these historic accusations have been made before, and all of them are as false now as they were then. David requested the “evidence” upon which these false allegations claim to rely and this has not been provided. By contrast, whenever US law enforcement has looked into such matters, they have been investigated thoroughly and it has been found that there is simply no case to answer. The Guardian’s characterization is not who David is, and he continues to support anyone who has experienced any form of abuse or discrimination. The movement must succeed, but false accusations must stop for it to flourish. David will be considering the position with his legal team and will take such steps as may be appropriate over these false and scurrilous allegations.”
Representative for david copperfield
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.