Carmen Efferson, the former fiancée of music icon Stevie Wonder, was reportedly shocked to learn that the legendary musician is seeking to evict her from the Los Angeles home she has occupied for nearly four decades, according to TMZ.
Court documents obtained by TMZ indicate that Wonder filed the eviction lawsuit against Efferson, who has lived in the residence rent-free since 1988. A source close to Efferson told TMZ that she was stunned by the legal action, particularly given the long and complicated history between the two.
According to the source, Efferson has told friends that Wonder promised the home was hers, although she never obtained a deed to the property. Over the years, she reportedly made the house her own, and her late mother also lived there until her passing.
The relationship between Wonder and Efferson dates back to the 1980s, when the two were involved in a romantic partnership that sources described as intermittent. During that time, Wonder is said to have helped Efferson secure employment in the music industry. The pair were reportedly engaged during the 1980s but never married. Wonder later wed Tomeeka Robyn Bracy.
In the lawsuit, Wonder claims that Efferson paid only the utilities on the property. The dispute escalated when she allegedly would not permit individuals onto the premises for insurance-related reasons, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.
A separate source familiar with the matter told TMZ that the conflict is fundamentally about safety and security, and about taking the steps needed to make certain the home can be adequately insured. The source characterized the action as procedural rather than personal, describing it as a matter of adhering to standard safety practices.
An online review of the property suggests that the home appears worn and could benefit from upgrades.
Wonder reportedly gave Efferson until August 27 to vacate the premises, but she has not left. In an email allegedly sent to Wonder's legal team, Efferson referred to the attorneys as "racist cold-blooded," an accusation the attorneys have rejected.
Efferson has not yet filed a response to the lawsuit in court, according to TMZ.