The Stevie Wonder eviction lawsuit reportedly came as a shock to his former fiancée, Carmen Efferson, who has lived in the musician’s Los Angeles property for nearly 40 years.
A source close to Efferson told TMZ that Wonder had promised the home belonged to her. However, she never received a deed, which is the sort of missing paperwork that becomes rather important once lawyers arrive.
Efferson has treated the property as her home since moving in during 1988, according to the report. Her late mother also lived there until her death.
What led to the property dispute?
Court documents obtained by TMZ reportedly state that Efferson lived in the house rent-free and paid only the utility bills. Wonder sued to remove her after she allegedly refused to let people enter the property for insurance-related purposes.
Another source familiar with the dispute described the legal action as a matter of safety, security and securing appropriate insurance. That source said the move was not personal and was intended to ensure the house met basic requirements.
Publicly available images reviewed by TMZ appeared to show a worn property in need of improvements. No independent assessment of the home’s condition was cited.
Wonder reportedly gave Efferson until August 27, 2026, to leave, but she remained at the property. In an alleged email to his legal team, Efferson called the lawyers “racist cold-blooded.” The attorneys rejected the accusation.
Their relationship dates back to the 1980s
Efferson and Wonder reportedly had an on-and-off romantic relationship beginning in the 1980s. They were said to have become engaged during that decade but never married. Wonder also helped Efferson find work in the music industry while they were together.
Wonder married Tomeeka Robyn Bracy in 2017. Efferson had not filed a response to the eviction case at the time of the original report.
