Stevie Wonder has filed a civil lawsuit in the Los Angeles County Superior Court seeking to evict a woman who has been living rent-free in one of his properties for nearly forty years, according to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone.
The woman in question is Carmen Efferson, identified in the documents as the legendary musician's former fiancée. She moved into a three-bedroom home in the Hollywood Hills in July 1988 under a verbal agreement that set the rent at zero dollars per month.
Efferson confirmed to Billboard that she was engaged to Wonder when she moved into the property, though the couple never married. Despite the end of their relationship, she remained in the residence for decades, even as the singer married others.
The situation escalated this year when Wonder's representatives attempted to access the home on three separate occasions in July to perform an inspection required by the insurance company as a condition for renewing the property's policy. Efferson denied entry each time.
In response to a certified letter, Efferson addressed a message to Wonder's attorney, David Huff, stating: "Your racist, cold, 'white male privilege' tone (you again). I feel harassed. Regarding your ORDERS to enter the place where I live, I do not consent. Do not attempt to make any contact with me."
Huff clarified that the letter prompting this reaction was not written by him, but by his partner Tempestt Tatum, who he specified is "neither racist, cold, white, nor male."
Due to Efferson's repeated refusal, Wonder's legal team revoked the verbal agreement citing breach of terms and served her with an eviction notice, setting a deadline of August 27, 2026. Efferson did not vacate the property by this date.
As a direct consequence of her refusal to allow the inspection, the home has been without insurance coverage since August 4. The lawsuit requests the court to order Efferson's eviction and seeks $600 in damages related to costs incurred from the loss of this coverage.
Wonder's legal team did not immediately respond to media inquiries for comments. Efferson, meanwhile, has not issued any substantial public statement beyond her confirmation to Billboard about the past engagement.
The case is currently awaiting a judicial decision, with a judge set to determine whether Efferson must vacate the Hollywood Hills home she has occupied rent-free for 38 years.
Legal Battle Over Stevie Wonder's Property
Why is Stevie Wonder seeking to evict Carmen Efferson?
Stevie Wonder is seeking to evict Carmen Efferson because she has been living in one of his properties rent-free for nearly four decades and has refused to allow an inspection required for insurance purposes.
What was the nature of the agreement between Stevie Wonder and Carmen Efferson?
The agreement between Stevie Wonder and Carmen Efferson was verbal, allowing her to live in the property without paying rent. This agreement was made when they were engaged, although they never married.
What are the consequences of Efferson's refusal to allow the inspection?
Efferson's refusal to allow the inspection has resulted in the property losing its insurance coverage since August 4, and Wonder's lawsuit seeks $600 in damages due to related costs.