Stevie Wonder, described as the one-time fiancée of Stevie Wonder, is contesting his attempt to evict her from a Hollywood Hills home in Los Angeles, United States, where she has lived rent-free since 1988. Her response argues that the property is in poor condition and that Wonder does not own it.
Eviction lawsuit and habitability claims#
Wonder’s legal team sued Efferson last month in the Los Angeles Superior Court, demanding that she move out of his three-bedroom home. In a filing made on Tuesday, Efferson accuses Wonder of breaching the warranty of habitability, claiming he failed to maintain the property in conditions fit for human living.
Conditions cited in the filing#
Efferson lists several conditions in the filing, including:
- Damp or leaking ceilings and walls
- Holes in the walls, floor and carpet
- Damaged window screens and plumbing
- Dampness and mold
The filing also cites other issues.
Requested relief and ownership dispute#
Efferson asks a judge to order Wonder to pay her attorney fees and make repairs to the home. She also asks that the monthly rent be reduced to a “reasonable rental value” until the conditions are corrected.
The filing states that Efferson “has paid rent and/or provided other nonmonetary consideration or services in exchange for the right to occupy the premises.” It also disputes the property’s title, claiming Wonder is “not the owner of the subject premises and therefore lacks standing” to evict her.
A lawyer for Wonder did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
