We warn you: the text discusses sexual violence and harassment.
They were 15, 16 years old when he noticed them in the front rows of his performances. They often came with their parents, delighted that their daughters were on stage. It was hard to notice in the spotlight and excitement that Copperfield was touching their breasts and buttocks. It was he who later looked for contact, sent notes, and announced that he would appear when they were adults. He fulfilled his promises, with what his lawyers today describe as a “relationship with the consent of both parties.” And this could have been his brightest side out of all the dark ones.
David Copperfield drugged and raped unconscious women?
“” on Wednesday published an article that included the stories of 16 women accusing David Copperfield of abuse towards them in the years 1980-2014. The magician allegedly touched some of them in their private places on stage during his performances. Some of them were to become victims of grooming, i.e. “bringing” them to be a partner. The magician sent gifts and cards to underage fans and announced that when they were adults, he would be waiting for them. Three women confessed that Copperfield drugged them, which made them unable to give informed consent to sex.
David Copperfield, through his representatives, denies all allegations. He maintains that the relationship was consensual. Meanwhile, the American branch of the Guardian reached 16 women who claim that their relationships with the magician were far from good. He started with touch on stage, invited to a private dressing room, a hotel, a party. The daily talked to the magician’s former assistant, to those who were abused, and to their families. All behaviors are on the verge of the law or exceed it, and few cases were handed over to the police based on the lack of evidence and recordings. Indeed, very little material has survived from ordinary, non-television appearances in the 1990s, and subsequent proceedings are word against word.
Testimonies after years, a sea of cases
Meanwhile, David Copperfield has been facing new accusations from more women for years who claim that they were sexually abused by him. The magician comes out unscathed in court hearings, if any hearings take place at all. The women interviewed by the Guardian have no intention of testifying in court. They say directly that at the time when it happened, they were not fully aware that this was not appropriate behavior. “I only see it today”, “he put his arm around me and told me to grab his butt”, “I was frozen, he felt me on stage”, “I was trapped, he touched my breasts and told jokes to the audience.”
David Copperfield has been the richest illusionist in the world for years. It is difficult to estimate his fortune, because his career lasted almost 20 years in all corners of the globe, and he achieved great fame quickly in the 1980s. He did not retire. He still performs, although only in Las Vegas. In addition to at least four billion (!) dollars, he has 11 Guinness records and 21 EMMY statuettes. Cases against him failed due to insufficient evidence, lack of recordings, and witnesses withdrawing. The lawyers maintain that the vast majority of the stories told by the women never happened – “he never approached girls in the parking lot”, “he never invited them to his private rooms”, “it’s absurd”, “there is no evidence of it”. However, there are stories told by former employees in contrast to the lawyers. “There were always young girls around him.”
Magic Dave and Jeffrey Epstein
David Copperfield’s name also appears in the Jeffrey Epstein case. The millionaire, who died in 2019 and built a pimping network around himself, offering young girls to the famous and wealthy, was said to have been close friends with Copperfield. One of the victims testifying in the Epstein case mentions Copperfield’s name. The magician allegedly organized private shows for Epstein’s guests, but their relationship was not exclusively professional. The sex offender was a frequent visitor to Copperfield Island (they were acquaintances in this respect – Epstein’s island complex is located near Copperfield’s small private archipelago), calling him his “Magic Dave”. And although Copperfield denied in 2016 that he was aware of what Epstein really did, the testimony of one of the pimp’s victims included a transcript of a conversation with the illusionist who asked: “Are girls paid to bring other girls?”
David Copperfield continues to perform at the MGM Studio in Las Vegas. It can be seen twice a day for 40 weeks a year. Prestidigitator denies all accusations.
David Copperfield, 2013 Dan Steinberg/Invision/INVW / $Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP/East News
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Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual contact. According to UNICEF data, approximately 15 million teenagers between 15 and 19 years of age have experienced this type of violence around the world, but only 1 percent of teenagers seek help from a professional. Research shows that 80 percent Rape victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Remember, if you or someone close to you has been a victim of sexual violence, you can get help by calling the National Hotline for Victims of Domestic Violence “Blue Line” – 801 120 002 or call 112.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
