3 days ago
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Stevie Wonder is taking legal measures to try and evict a former girlfriend from a Los Angeles residence he says he's let her live in rent-free since 1988, according to a new report.
The iconic musical artist, 76, has sued his ex-girlfriend Carmen Efferson in an effort to remove her from the home, per an October 22 legal filing reviewed by The Daily Mail.
The Saginaw, Michigan-born artist said he initially permitted Efferson to reside in the home, worth an estimated $1.8million, free of charge in July of 1988 in a verbal arrangement.
Wonder said in his filing that no lease was written and a monthly rent was set at $0.
Attorneys for the Grammy Award-winning performer said in the filing that this past summer, staffers for Wonder made multiple attempts to enter the residence for an inspection for insurance purposes, but Efferson wouldn't let them in.
The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Wonder and Efferson for further comment on the story and has yet to hear back.
Stevie Wonder, 76, is taking legal measures to try and evict a former girlfriend from a Los Angeles residence he says he's let her live in rent-free since 1988, according to a new report. Pictured in NYC last year
Wonder's legal team said in the filing that Efferson not opening the home to inspectors presented problems that could have cost him insurance coverage on the property, the filing stated.
At that point, Wonder's team in July sent notice that she needed to vacate the premises by an August 27 deadline, citing the legal filing.
Efferson did not leave the residence by the specified date and continues to reside there, attorneys for Wonder said in the filing.
Wonder's lawyers are asking the court to order Efferson to leave the home, according to the filing.
The singer is also asking for money for damages and legal fees.
The court filing included a tense exchange of emails between Efferson and attorneys representing Wonder.
In one profane exchange, Efferson said she felt as if she was being spoken to in a tone that reflected 'racist cold-blooded white male privilege,' telling the attorney: 'Do not make any attempt to make any kind of contact with me....' and signing off 'In other words F*** the f*** off..!!!'
Per the filing, attorney David Huff corrected Efferson in saying that the lawyer who first contacted Efferson was not white or male.
Wonder seen performing in Birmingham, England on October 13
Wonder pictured at an event on October 20, 2024 in Jonesboro, Georgia
The Los Angeles home Wonder and his ex are fighting over is pictured
Huff also said in an email exchange that his grandfather had been a 'civil rights hero.'
He wrote, per the filing, 'If you did know me, however, you would be ashamed by your words. My grandfather was a civil rights hero.
'At his funeral, African-American men travelled to attend, and brought their sons, and their grandsons, so that they may hear their personal testimony of my grandfather's sacrifice on his day of rest.'
Huff told Efferson that she could potentially be evicted if she did not let inspectors look at the property.
Wonder and Efferson had a past romance, with a rumored engagement.
The singer has been wed to Tomeeka R Morris since 2017.
He was previously wed to late singer Syreeta Wright from 1970 to 1972; and to fashion designer Kai Millard from 2001 to 2015.
English (US) ·