The music legend is seeking a court order to remove Carmen Efferson from his property, alleging she has lived there rent-free since 1988 and refused access for an insurance inspection.
American music icon Stevie Wonder has filed an eviction lawsuit against his former fiancée, Carmen Efferson, seeking to remove her from a Los Angeles home she has allegedly occupied rent-free for nearly four decades.
According to court documents cited by entertainment outlet TMZ, Efferson has lived in the property since July 1988 under an informal arrangement that was never put in writing. The lawsuit reportedly states that she has paid no rent during that period.
The legal action follows alleged attempts by his representatives to gain access to the property over the summer for an insurance inspection. According to the lawsuit, Efferson refused to allow the inspection to take place, raising concerns about the property’s insurance coverage.
Steve Wonder’s lawyers subsequently sent Efferson a notice in July terminating her right to remain in the house, according to the court filings.
The notice reportedly required her to vacate the property by August 27. However, the lawsuit alleges that she remained in the home after the deadline.
Wonder is now asking a judge to order Efferson’s eviction. He is also seeking damages and reimbursement of legal costs, TMZ reported.
The case centres on the alleged long-standing living arrangement and the dispute over access to the property. The allegations contained in the lawsuit have not been established as findings by a court.
Steve Wonder, one of the most influential figures in American music, is known for classic songs including Superstition, Isn’t She Lovely and I Just Called to Say I Love You. His career spans more than six decades, with numerous Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
