Stevie Wonder’s reported ex fiancee seeks repairs amid eviction fight

Stevie Wonder’s former fiancée Carmen Efferson is challenging his eviction lawsuit while alleging serious maintenance problems at the Los Angeles property.

Stevie Wonder’s effort to evict his reported former fiancée from a Los Angeles home has taken another turn, with Carmen Efferson asking a judge to order repairs to the property while challenging the music legend’s lawsuit.

According to TMZ, Efferson filed a response on Nov. 3 denying allegations in Wonder’s complaint and claiming the home has leaking ceilings and walls, damaged floors, peeling paint and faulty plumbing. Reports based on the filing also describe alleged mold. The court has not determined whether those conditions exist.

Wonder filed his eviction lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on October 22. His complaint alleges Efferson has occupied the home since July 1988 under an oral agreement that required no monthly rent.

Efferson claims she paid rent or provided services in exchange for living in the home. She is asking the court to reduce the monthly rent to a reasonable rental value until repairs are completed and to award her attorney fees.

The dispute escalated when his representatives sought access to the house for an insurance inspection in July. Wonder’s lawyers say Efferson repeatedly refused entry and that the policy was subsequently canceled. Efferson said in correspondence attached to his complaint that she felt harassed and did not consent to the proposed inspection.

Wonder’s attorneys issued a 30-day notice on July 28 and another notice on October 6, giving Efferson three days to leave, according to the complaint. He is seeking possession of the property, legal fees and statutory damages of up to $600.

Efferson has said Wonder promised her the home and that she paid for repairs after the 1994 Northridge earthquake and later flooding. Those claims remain disputed. The judge has not ruled on Wonder’s request to evict her or Efferson’s demands for repairs.