Two days after FBI agents searched a Las Vegas warehouse belonging to David Copperfield and a casino theater where the magician regularly performs, his lawyer denied an allegation that the illusionist "forced himself" upon a woman.
"An unidentified woman has made serious allegations against David Copperfield," lawyer David Chesnoff said in an October 19 statement. "It is important these allegations be put into perspective," Chesnoff said. "Although authorities have not revealed her identity to us, we know these allegations are false because David Copperfield has never forced himself on anyone."
Neither Chesnoff nor law enforcement officials would provide details concerning the allegation or the warehouse search.
Seattle FBI agent Robbie Burroughs said on October 18 that the Las Vegas investigation tied into a Seattle case. "The Seattle case is pending and that means we can't say anything about it," Burroughs said.
FBI agents conducted an October 17 search at the Hollywood Theater at the MGM Grand hotel-casino, where Copperfield regularly performs, casino spokeswoman Yvette Monet told the Associated Press.
FBI agent David Staretz said agents also conducted "investigative activity" at a warehouse where Copperfield stores tricks and memorabilia, dubbed the International Museum & Library of Conjuring Arts.
The 51-year-old Copperfield - real name David Kotkin - is a long-time performer at the MGM Grand. Monet said he has performed in six-to-eight-week stints several times yearly.
Copperfield performed two October 17 shows, which were at the end of his most recent run, Monet said. Copperfield was next scheduled to perform in Jakarta, Indonesia.
