Stevie Wonder files lawsuit to evict rent-free tenant from Hollywood home

Musician Stevie Wonder filed a lawsuit in a Los Angeles court to evict a woman who has lived in his Hollywood Hills property rent-free for nearly 40 years, Rolling Stone reported on October 23, 2026. Legal filings submitted on October 22, 2026, show that Wonder is seeking the removal of Carmen Efferson from the three-bedroom residence. TMZ, Billboard, Cleveland.com, and EURweb also reported on the lawsuit. [1][2][3][4][5]

According to Rolling Stone, Efferson is reportedly Wonder's former fiancée and has occupied the Los Angeles home since 1988 under an oral arrangement. The dispute began when insurance inspectors attempted to access the property, leading to the breakdown of the unwritten agreement between both parties, Rolling Stone said. [1][4][5]

Wonder's legal team filed the complaint in a Los Angeles superior court, demanding that Efferson vacate the premises, according to Rolling Stone. The filed document seeks to formally terminate the decades-long housing arrangement. [1]