Almost four decades, no lease, no rent, and now a court case. Stevie Wonder is suing to remove Carmen Efferson, a woman he was reportedly once engaged to, from a Los Angeles home he owns, according to legal documents obtained by TMZ.
A Handshake Deal From 1988
According to the filing as reported by TMZ, Efferson has lived in the property since July 1988 under a verbal agreement. There was no written lease, and the rent was $0 a month. Wonder’s side says that arrangement is now over.
TMZ reports that Efferson and Wonder had a romantic history and were said to have been engaged in the late 1980s. Wonder has been married to his third wife, Tomeeka Robyn Bracy, since 2017.
What Wonder’s Team Says Happened
Per the documents, Wonder’s team tried several times over the summer to inspect the house for insurance purposes. They say Efferson refused to let anyone in. His lawyers argue that put the property’s insurance coverage at risk, so they sent her a notice in July ending her right to stay, with an Aug. 27 move-out date.
Wonder’s side says she’s still there. He’s now asking a judge to order her out, and he’s also seeking damages and legal costs.
TMZ also reports a tense email exchange between Efferson and Wonder’s legal team in the lead-up to the suit. As of publication, no full public response from Efferson to the lawsuit had been reported, and N’Style Atlanta has not independently reviewed the court filing. These are claims made in a lawsuit, and a judge hasn’t ruled on any of them.
Why it matters: Stevie Wonder is Motown royalty and one of the most beloved artists in Black music. A legal fight that reaches back to his late-’80s personal life is a reminder that even legends have to sort out the business of handshake deals. We’ll keep you posted as the case moves through court.
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Sources: TMZ
