David Copperfield Announces Final Las Vegas Performance Amid Epstein Files Fallout
Renowned illusionist David Copperfield has declared that his upcoming show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas will be his last, scheduled for 30 April. This announcement arrives just weeks after the release of millions of documents from the Department of Justice, known as the Epstein files, which shed new light on the FBI's perspective regarding Copperfield's relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The decision to conclude Copperfield's 25-year residency at the MGM Grand appears to have been made abruptly. In a statement, MGM expressed gratitude for Copperfield's long-standing partnership and confirmed that tickets for shows beyond 30 April would be automatically refunded. Copperfield himself hinted on social media at a forthcoming "largest project" he has ever undertaken, though details remain undisclosed.
FBI Investigation and Epstein Connections Detailed in Released Files
The Epstein files, released earlier this year, include emails and memos from FBI agents involved in a 2007 investigation into Copperfield. A memo from Seattle agents highlighted concerns about a potential "connection" between Copperfield and Epstein, suggesting further inquiry was needed to determine if they shared a "predilection for minors" or engaged in referring victims to each other.
According to the documents, FBI agents identified several potential witnesses in Miami who may have had ties to Copperfield, including two women also involved in the Epstein investigation. These women were listed in what agents described as Copperfield's "business list," which they alleged was a compilation of females targeted for sexual conquest. Entries noted the women as "Jeff Epstein guests" and included comments about loyalty and gameplay.
Evidence seized from Copperfield's residence and performance venue indicated he provided complimentary tickets to Epstein and his guests on multiple occasions. A 2019 email from an FBI official, sent after Epstein's death, claimed that Copperfield trained employees to identify young females in his audience, separate them from companions, and bring them backstage. The official also mentioned a notebook maintained by Copperfield with contact information, sexual encounters, and photographs of these women.
Copperfield's Legal Responses and Past Controversies
Copperfield's lawyers have consistently denied any close friendship with Epstein, stating in 2024 that they were "at most, acquaintances" who met only a handful of times. They have not responded to recent inquiries about the Epstein files. Copperfield has repeatedly denied allegations of sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior.
This is not the first controversy surrounding the magician. From 2007 to 2009, he was under criminal investigation for allegations of raping a woman he met at a show and invited to his private Bahamian island. No charges were filed, and Copperfield maintained his innocence, even claiming to be the victim in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The FBI official's email also suggested that the investigation into Copperfield was closed due to the US attorney's office being "weak and intimidated by the financial resources of Copperfield," alongside other jurisdictional challenges. It remains unclear whether the end of Copperfield's Las Vegas show is directly linked to the Epstein files release, as MGM has not commented on any potential connection.
In a press statement, Mike Neubecker, president and chief operating officer of MGM Grand, praised Copperfield's contributions and wished him success in future endeavors. Lawyers for Copperfield did not reply to requests for comment on this latest development.
