David Copperfield

David Copperfield (born David Seth Kotkin on September 16, 1956 in Metuchen, New Jersey) is an Emmy Award-winning American illusionist described by Forbes in 2006 as the most commercially successful magician in history.Best known for his combination of storytelling and illusion, Copperfield has so far sold 40 million tickets and grossed over $1 billion.

Allegations that magician David Copperfield raped, assaulted and threatened an aspiring model at his private, secluded island in the Bahamas are under investigation by a federal grand jury, The Seattle Times newspaper reported October 27, 2007, citing at least three federal law-enforcement officials as sources.

No indictment or criminal charges have been filed.


The woman, 21, told law enforcement officials she was selected to come on stage as part of his Jan. 25 performance in the Tri-Cities, Washington, federal sources said. Copperfield later invited her to his isolated $50 million private retreat on a promise to help with her modeling career.
 

The woman said she made the trip in late July. She told investigators that Copperfield assured her that there would be other guests at the 150-acre resort. But she found herself as the only guest on the island with him. 

 

She said Copperfield raped and struck her, and threatened her when she left after two days, sources told the Times. Afterward, she said Copperfield told her she'd better keep quiet and then escorted her onto a plane.

 

Law enforcement sources say when she returned home, the woman informed her family of the incident, sought treatment at a local hospital and a rape kit was assembled.

Copperfield's attorney, David Chesnoff, said Copperfield ''has never forced himself on anyone.'' 

The FBI raided Copperfield's property warehouse and magic museum in Las Vegas Oct. 17, reportedly seizing nearly $2 million in cash, a computer hard drive and a digital camera memory chip. Agents also went to the MGM-Grand Hotel and Casino on the Vegas Strip, where Copperfield often performs.

 
On Oct. 21, Copperfield canceled upcoming shows in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Promoters at Viva Art International Limited and MAZ Concerts Inc. filed suit for breach of contract after demanding the return of several million dollars paid into an escrow account for Copperfield's performances. Copperfield reportedly refused to return any of the money.

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