Magician David Copperfield now accused of sexual misconduct by 16 women

Magician David Copperfield has denied new sexual misconduct allegations levelled against him.

Sixteen women have accused Copperfield, 67, of misconduct — with more than half alleging the abuse occurred before they were 18 years of age.

Three of the accusers claim Copperfield drugged them before having sex with them.

The alleged incidents date back to the 1980s, with the most recent said to have occurred in 2014.

In response, Copperfield’s legal team said he had “never acted inappropriately with anyone, let alone with anyone underage”.

His lawyers added that “truthful” descriptions would mention his “kindness” and “respect” for both men and women.

The women, who spoke to The Guardian, allegedly met him through his live performances.

Copperfield performs worldwide more than 500 times a year.

His lawyers told the newspaper that it was not the first time similar allegations had been made against the magician.

In 2018, one of the accusers, Brittney Lewis, went public with her claims in an interview with entertainment website The Wrap.

At the time, Ms Lewis said she was an aspiring 17-year-old model when she met Copperfield.

Back then, his representatives denied her allegations, while Copperfield said on Twitter he would “weather another storm” and reiterated his support for the #MeToo movement.

In 2018, Lewis said she had reported her allegations to the FBI.

There is no evidence to suggest any charges were filed.

Another woman, using the pseudonym Gillian, said she “honest to god” believed that she had been drugged by Copperfield prior to him having sex with her.

His lawyer insisted that drugs were “not a part of his world”.

It is also claimed that the magician groped young girls who were called on stage to participate in his act.

The family of a 15-year-old allege they witnessed this.

His lawyers say this is “implausible”.

Another woman, Fallon Thornton, 38, claims this happened to her in January 2014 and she reported the incident to police in Las Vegas.

Authorities said the case was closed due to a lack of evidence.

Copperfield’s representatives say police reviewed video of the show and were satisfied that nothing inappropriate had occurred.

Copperfield is also accused of promising to help young women find a career in entertainment.

One woman, Carla, said she met Copperfield in 1991 when was 15 and he kept in contact with phone calls.

She claims that when she was 18, they had consensual sex. Carla believes she was groomed.

His lawyers admit the pair had a relationship but deny any grooming took place.