here's jamie yukis. >> reporter: david copper field has wowed crowds at the mgm grand for more than 20 years. today he took center stage on the witness stand. >> i'm not in the business of hurting people. >> reporter: one of copper field's signature illusions in his show is called 13. where members of las vegas audience disappear. bennedi bennedict moelli claims he was severely injured in a trick in 2013. >> it's a accident waiting to happen. >> reporter: he revealed how the illusion works in court. once the curtain obscures the participants, stagehands swoop in and lead them by flashlight through a series of back stage passage ways, out of the building then back in where they reappear in the back of the room. >> is it important to you for them to do it as quickly as possible or not? >> no, safety would always come first. >> reporter: but morelli says that's not true. his client slipped during the act suffering brain, spine and shoulder injuries. his medical bills now total $1.3 million. after hearing about the case, he says two new female participants now say they also were rushed thr