While the old aphorism “a magician never reveals his secrets” remains an axiom of the craft, even a magician’s vow to secrecy must give way to courtroom proceedings, as renowned magician David Copperfield is acutely aware. Because the nature of one of Copperfield’s illusions is necessary in resolving a negligence suit brought by a participant in his act, jurors were offered an exceedingly rare look into the structure of a vanishing trick performed by Copperfield. Although secrecy as to the trick is important for Copperfield, his celebrity did not allow him to circumvent tort law.
The suit arose out of a 2013 performance in Las Vegas in which a British man claims to have been badly injured while participating in one of Copperfield’s illusions. It was revealed that participants were taken through a dark and winding corridor that served as their “disappearance,” and it was during this journey that Gavin Cox claims to have been injured when he slipped and fell.
While members of Copperfield’s team claim that the path is inspected for potential harm prior to the trick being done, there is evidence to suggest that the path that the participants must take is more akin to a cement obstacle course, and that participants are generally rushed through the corridor in the dark. Whatever the outcome of the suit, Copperfield will no doubt be damaged by the fact that he was forced to reveal his trick to the public, considering he was already denied a pretrial motion to make the proceedings closed to the public.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to significant monetary damages. To discuss your potential personal injury suit, act now and contact one of our expert slip and fall attorneys here at the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates. Call us today at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com for your free and private consultation. Your needs are our top priority!
