Stevie Wonder has launched legal action against a woman he was reportedly once engaged to, seeking to evict her from his Los Angeles property after allowing her to live there rent-free for an astonishing 38 years.
The legendary singer, 76, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, October 22, against Carmen Efferson, who has allegedly been living in the home since July 1988.
According to court documents obtained by People, the pair entered into a verbal agreement nearly four decades ago that allowed Carmen to occupy the property without having to pay rent.
© Getty ImagesHowever, the extraordinary arrangement appears to have unravelled following a dispute over an insurance inspection earlier this year.
The trouble reportedly began in July when Stevie's legal representatives contacted Carmen to arrange an inspection of the property, which was required to maintain its insurance coverage.
In an email dated July 23, the 25-time Grammy winner's attorneys informed Carmen that an inspector would need to enter the home on July 30.
© Getty ImagesBut Carmen allegedly refused, claiming she felt harassed by the request and would not consent to anyone entering the residence.
"I'm feeling harassed," she wrote in an email included in the court filing, according to the Los Angeles Times.
She subsequently warned Stevie's legal team that she would contact the police if anyone attempted to enter the property without her permission.
© Michael Buckner, GettyFollowing the exchange, the singer's attorneys issued Carmen with a 30-day notice to vacate the home by August 27.
However, the court documents allege that she failed to leave, prompting further legal action.
On October 6, Stevie's representatives reportedly issued another notice, giving Carmen three days to vacate the property.
© Getty ImagesThe singer's legal team also claimed that her refusal to allow an inspection had resulted in the cancellation of the property's insurance policy, potentially exposing him to financial losses.
Stevie is now seeking to terminate their longstanding verbal agreement and recover legal fees, along with statutory damages of up to $600.
Stevie, whose real name is Stevland Morris, has been married to his third wife, Tomeeka Robyn Bracy, since 2017.
© Getty ImagesThe couple tied the knot in a lavish Los Angeles ceremony, reportedly attended by celebrity friends including John Legend and Pharrell Williams.
The Motown legend, who is a father of nine, has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, with enduring hits including "Superstition", "Sir Duke" and "I Just Called to Say I Love You".
Despite the ongoing legal battle, neither Stevie nor Carmen has publicly commented on the dispute, and the allegations outlined in the lawsuit have yet to be determined by the court.
