Stevie Wonder sues to evict Carmen Efferson
Stevie Wonder is facing an economic loss risk on a Studio City property after filing a lawsuit this week to evict Carmen Efferson, who has lived rent-free at the Oak Glen Drive home since July 1988, according to a legal complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court and reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Property Inspection Request Triggers Dispute
The legal action follows a summer dispute over property access. Representatives for Wonder attempted to enter the residence to update and retain property insurance, according to emails included in the court complaint. An attorney for Wonder notified Efferson on July 23 of an upcoming inspection. Efferson refused entry, emailing another attorney for Wonder on July 25 to please refrain from your rascist [sic] coldblooded ‘white male privilege’ tone,
and stating that she felt harassed, according to screenshots cited by the Los Angeles Times.
An attorney for Wonder replied two days later to clarify that the lawyer who issued the notice was neither white, male, nor cold-blooded. Efferson subsequently threatened to contact law enforcement if representatives attempted to enter the property again.
Notice to Vacate and Insurance Cancellation Risk
Following the refusal of access, Wonder’s attorneys issued a 30-day notice on July 28 ordering Efferson to vacate the premises by August 27. When she remained in the home past that deadline, Wonder’s lawyers issued a three-day notice to leave on October 6 due to an alleged violation of the 1988 oral agreement allowing her to occupy the home without paying monthly rent.
The complaint asserts that Efferson failed to respond to three additional opportunities to permit entry for an inspection. Wonder’s legal representatives stated in the exhibits that the owner has been prejudiced by the cancellation of the property insurance policy and faces a substantial risk of economic loss.
Stevie Wonder Seeks Damages for Illegal Lockout
Wonder, whose legal name is Stevland Morris, is seeking the forfeiture of the lease agreement, legal fees, and statutory damages up to $600. Under California law, a notice to vacate does not permit a lockout, and landlords are prohibited from using self-help remedies such as changing locks without a court-ordered writ resulting from an unlawful detainer action.
Efferson, reported by TMZ to have been once betrothed to the Grammy-winning artist, did not immediately respond to multiple requests for comment from the Los Angeles Times. A legal representative for Wonder, 76, declined to comment and did not clarify the reported relationship. Wonder has been married to Tomeeka Bracy since 2017 and is currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of his album Songs in the Key of Life.
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