Copperfield rep denies tour allegations

A representative for David Copperfield on Thursday denied a promoter's claim that the illusionist canceled shows to avoid media scrutiny over a rape allegation.

Copperfield canceled the overseas tour because the promoters failed to pay him and canceled a segment of the tour without the performer's consent, Glenn Bunting said.

"David Copperfield canceled his overseas tour because promoters did not honor their contractual commitments," Bunting said.

Copperfield came under investigation last month after a 21-year-old woman told authorities he raped her in July at his estate in the Bahamas. An attorney for the magician has denied the allegations, and no charges have been filed.

He was sued earlier this week by Viva Art International and Maz Concerts for nearly $2.2 million after he pulled out of 48 shows in the Mideast and Asia.

The lawsuit claims Copperfield backed out because he didn't want to face questions from reporters over the rape claim.

Bunting denied that allegation. He claimed an e-mail from a Maz Concerts executive indicates that Copperfield had the right to cancel the entire tour after the company had canceled a performance in the United Arab Emirates.

The executive's lawyer said the message was presented out of context.

Attorney Dennis Holahan said the promoters and Copperfield's representatives agreed the magician would be paid a fee for the United Arab Emirates cancellation, but that he would perform in Southeast Asia.

"At no point did my client say `You have a right to cancel and keep all my money,'" Holahan said.