World-renowned illusionist (born David Seth Kotkin, b. 1956) with one of the most extensively documented connections to Jeffrey Epstein among celebrities. Listed in Epstein's black book with 5 phone numbers.
VICTIM TESTIMONY: In unsealed Giuffre v. Maxwell depositions, Johanna Sjoberg testified she dined with Copperfield at Epstein's Palm Beach mansion in the early 2000s, where Copperfield performed magic tricks and asked her whether she was "aware that girls were getting paid to find other girls"; suggesting he had knowledge of Epstein's recruiting operation. Virginia Giuffre separately testified that Epstein took her to Copperfield's events and that Copperfield appeared aware of what was going on.
EPSTEIN'S ISLAND CONNECTION: A released Epstein email boasts that Copperfield got engaged to supermodel Claudia Schiffer on Epstein's private island, Little St. James (January 1994). The December 2025 DOJ document release included photographs showing Copperfield and Ghislaine Maxwell wearing white robes and embracing at a location the Guardian's analysis placed on Epstein's island.
FBI INVESTIGATION (2007): A December 2007 FBI memo from Seattle agents flagged the need to investigate "the connection" between Copperfield and Epstein; specifically, "to determine if they both shared a predilection for minors" and "if they engaged in referring possible victims to each other." FBI agents noted two potential witnesses in their Copperfield investigation were also witnesses in the Epstein Miami investigation, with one saying Epstein had "groomed" her. FBI SEIZED RECORDS; "BUSINESS LIST": During the 2007 FBI search of Copperfield's Las Vegas warehouse (~$2M cash seized), agents recovered a "business list" described as "a compilation of females that he targeted for sexual conquest." Two women on the list were annotated as "Jeff Epstein guestf[sic]," with a note attributed to Epstein saying one was "not loyal, doesn't play the game." Copperfield also allegedly kept a notebook of females he had sex with, including contact information, photographs, and sex notes; his staff were reportedly trained to identify young women (teens to early 20s) in show audiences, separate them from companions, and bring them backstage. After concern from law enforcement "higher ups," the investigation was closed without charges.
MUSHA CAY: Copperfield owns an archipelago of 11 private islands in the Bahamas marketed as Musha Cay resort. Epstein reportedly visited the islands. INDEPENDENT MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS (2024): In May 2024, a Guardian investigation published accounts from multiple women alleging Copperfield sexually assaulted them; accusations unrelated to the Epstein case.
Copperfield denied all allegations. CAREER FALLOUT (2026): Following the February 2026 Guardian report on the "very close relationship" revealed in the DOJ Epstein files, Las Vegas venues faced public pressure. In March 2026, Copperfield announced the end of his 25-year MGM Grand residency; his final show is scheduled for April 30, 2026.
He also canceled hundreds of shows through July 2026. DENIALS: Copperfield has never been charged in connection with Epstein. His lawyers told the Guardian (2024) that he "was not a friend of Jeffrey Epstein," that they were "at most, acquaintances" who met only a "handful" of times, and that the characterization of a close friendship was "totally false."