David Geffen Faces Lawsuit From Estranged Husband Over Alleged Broken Promises
Entertainment entrepreneur David Geffen, 82, is being sued by his estranged husband, Donovan Michaels, 32, for allegedly breaking a promise of lifelong financial support. Court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on July 22 claim Geffen cut Michaels’ financial support and evicted him after their separation on April 25, 2025. Michaels, also known as David Armstrong, accuses Geffen of breaching both express and implied contracts, according to reports from People.
O bilionário David Geffen e o marido, o ex-ator pornô gay Donovan Michaels, marcaram presença na Paris Fashion Week ontem (23). pic.twitter.com/G1ELEVHFCY
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Geffen’s lawyer, Patty Glaser, denies the claims, stating that no contract, written, oral, or implied, ever existed and called the lawsuit “false” and “pathetic.” Geffen filed for divorce on May 16, citing irreconcilable differences after less than two years of marriage. The couple, who married in March 2023, did not sign a prenuptial agreement. Court filings list their separation date as February 22, 2025.
According to People, Geffen agreed to pay spousal support and attorney fees in the initial divorce filing. On May 27, Michaels formally requested ongoing spousal support and legal fees. A court order issued the same day requires both parties to share detailed financial information, including income and assets, within 60 days.
The lawsuit also alleges that Geffen initially met Michaels through the website SeekingArrangements.com, allegedly paying him $10,000 for sex on their first night together. Michaels claims the relationship began as a transactional arrangement but evolved into what he describes as a partnership where Geffen promised to share assets equally and support him for life.
He further alleges that the relationship became controlling and abusive, claims that Geffen has denied through his legal team. Rolling Stone reports that under California law, spousal support typically lasts less than the length of the marriage, meaning Michaels’ claim for lifelong support may face legal hurdles.
Geffen, known for founding Asylum Records, Geffen Records, DGC Records, and co-founding DreamWorks Records, is estimated by Forbes to have a net worth of around $8.7 billion. Michael’s legal team argues that his youth, labour, and emotional commitment were exploited, saying Geffen’s actions “breached years-long promises and agreements.”
The case, which highlights a complex dispute over wealth, power, and personal commitments, is still in its early stages. Michaels is asking for financial support for the rest of his life and a home of his own, while Geffen is preparing to fight the allegations.
Billionaire David Geffen Sued By Estranged Husband For Breach Of Contracthttps://t.co/vg0uJ33atZ pic.twitter.com/qtrdQJeZu7
— Forbes (@Forbes) July 23, 2025
