Stevie Wonder’s ex-fiancée has been left shocked by his eviction lawsuit seeking to remove her from the Los Angeles home where she has lived for nearly 40 years.
Carmen Efferson is said to have been particularly surprised because of her decades-long relationship with the musician. People close to her claim she told friends that Wonder had promised the property would be hers, although she never received a deed.
Efferson is understood to have made the house her permanent home, including allowing her late mother to live there until her death. She and Wonder reportedly had an on-and-off romantic relationship dating back to the 1980s.
During their time together, Wonder also helped Efferson obtain work in the music industry. The pair were reportedly engaged but never married, while Wonder married Tomeeka Robyn Bracy in 2017.
According to court documents, Efferson has lived in the property rent-free since 1988 and has paid only the utilities. Wonder alleges that the dispute escalated after she refused to allow people access to the home for insurance-related purposes.
A person familiar with the situation said the case was about safety and security, and ensuring the property could be properly insured, rather than being personal. An online review of the home indicated that it appeared worn and required upgrades.
Wonder is said to have given Efferson until 27 August to leave, but she has not moved out. In an alleged email to his legal team, Efferson described the lawyers as “racist cold-blooded”, an accusation they rejected.
Efferson has not yet responded to the eviction lawsuit in court.
