Illusionist David Copperfield addresses sexual assault amid new claims

Washington D.C. [U.S.A], January 25 (ANI): New accusations have surfaced against famous illusionist David Copperfield just hours after he asked people, in a post, not to judge those accused of sexual misconduct as part of the 'Me Too' movement.

After issuing the statement, the 61-year-old magician was accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a 17-year-old model in 1988, reports E! Online.

The model, named Brittney Lewis, said that she was competing in a modelling contest where Copperfield was one of the judges. He invited her to one of his shows in California when she was still a minor.

Following the show, she claimed he invited her to a bar and noticed him pouring something into her glass. Lewis alleged that she then "blacked out", but remembers Copperfield kissing her and taking her clothes off.

The next day Copperfield allegedly told the teen he did not penetrate her and made her write a letter "saying she was okay".

The model said that she reported the episode to the FBI in 2007.

In his Twitter post, the illusionist described how his life was "turned upside down" by what he claimed were false allegations made against him more than a decade ago.

Copperfield took to his Twitter and wrote, "The #MeToo movement is crucial and long overdue. We all want people who feel they've been victims of sexual misconduct to be empowered, and as a rule we should listen, so more will feel comfortable coming forward. It's important. But imagine what it's like".

He continued, "To have your life and your family's life turned upside down. Three years and hundreds of stories reported on a false claim investigated by the FBI, where the end result was that the accuser was caught by law enforcement making the same false claim about another man. The proof was on tape. The accuser was arrested and charged".

The 61-year-old magician concluded his statement with a plea, suggesting to the "storm" he is currently going through.

"So while I weather another storm, I want the movement to continue to flourish. Always listen, and consider everything carefully, but please for everyone's sake don't rush to judgment", concluded Copperfield. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI