David Geffen’s Estranged Husband, Donovan Michaels, Sues Mogul for Breach of Contract

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In my gaming world, it feels like I’ve stumbled upon an epic quest that’s spilled out of the virtual realm and into reality. I’m talking about the turbulent tale between me (David Geffen in this scenario) and my former partner, Donovan Michaels. Our relationship drama has gained public attention after Donovan filed a lawsuit against yours truly, claiming breach of a contractual agreement. Quite a twist, isn’t it?

A lawsuit, submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, alleges that Geffen, aged 82, took advantage of a “young, vulnerable, and marginalized Black man in the LGBTQ+ community” by abusing his position as a “wealthy, powerful white gay billionaire who believed himself immune from reproach.”

A lawsuit claims that Geffen exploited a young, powerless Black man within the LGBTQ+ community because he thought he was above criticism as a rich and influential gay white billionaire.

In May, it was reported by The Hollywood Reporter that Geffen separated from his wife, Michaels (age 32), following a brief marriage of under two years due to irreconcilable differences. Geffen, a prominent figure, wed Michaels, previously known as David Armstrong and a former go-go dancer, in a private ceremony in Beverly Hills in 2023. Although the couple maintained privacy regarding their relationship, recent developments have brought more insight into their union, as detailed in Michaels’ lawsuit.

The grievance alleges that the two individuals connected on the dating platform, SeekingArrangements.com. Furthermore, it implicates Geffen in exchanging $10,000 for sexual favors on the night they first met. Additionally, it claims that their relationship evolved similar to the plot of the movie “Trading Places,” with Geffen treating Michaels as a human test subject – a trophy to flaunt among his affluent friends, under the pretense of being kind-hearted.

According to the lawsuit, it’s claimed that Geffen was aware of Michael’s difficult background, having spent his childhood in the foster care system. Instead of showing compassion or providing real help, however, Geffen viewed Michael as a tool for exploitation.

As their paid sexual arrangement evolved, it transformed into a more serious partnership, according to the court documents. Geffen expressed his affection by telling Michaels he loved him, and they agreed to be each other’s lifelong partners, share all assets equally, and Geffen pledged to financially support Michaels throughout their lives. In response, Michaels sacrificed his dreams – his modeling career and personal independence – to devote himself entirely to this commitment.

In 2023, Geffen and Michaels tied the knot without a prenuptial agreement, as stated in the lawsuit. However, what Michaels wasn’t aware of when they got married was that for Geffen, this marriage was essentially just a business deal.

During their marriage, the wealthy individual is said to have constantly criticized Michael’s physical appearance, closely supervised Michael in all matters concerning personal grooming, even going as far as demanding painful laser treatments and dental procedures. The lawsuit also claims that Michael was subjected to derogatory comments and belittling remarks about his humble background and lack of refinement.

The complaint additionally implicates Geffen for behaviors such as asserting sexual access whenever desired, even actions that Michael found humiliating. Moreover, it is alleged that Geffen provided Michael with both drugs and alcohol not just for enjoyment but as means of manipulation – to weaken his resistance and increase his dependency on these substances. Consequently, Michael developed an addiction issue which eventually required him to seek treatment.

After undergoing treatment, Michael asserted that he attempted reconciliation with Geffen, but Geffen didn’t seem interested in a healthier relationship. Instead, it appeared that Geffen desired control and submissiveness. He wanted to be seen as the hero, the savior, and the dominant one.

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Following treatment, Michael stated he reached out to Geffen for reconciliation, but Geffen seemed indifferent towards a healthier relationship. It seemed more like Geffen desired control, submission, and to assume roles such as the savior, the white knight, and the dominant figure.

Following Geffen’s divorce filing in April 2025, the lawsuit claims that Geffen swiftly violated their unwritten agreements by withholding financial assistance from Michaels. A short while later, in June 2025, the lawsuit further alleges that while Geffen was entertaining his high-profile celebrity friends on his luxury yacht in Venice, Italy, preparing for the Bezos wedding, he suddenly ordered Michaels to leave their New York home immediately, a move that could potentially make Michaels homeless.

Not only did Geffen force Michael out, but he also terminated any monetary aid that was previously provided, leaving Michael in a predicament where he couldn’t find a suitable place to live or meet his everyday needs, as stated in the complaint.

THR reached out to Geffen’s attorney for comment.

On July 22, Geffen, with an estimated net worth exceeding $9.1 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, found himself ranked 371st among the globe’s most affluent individuals.

This influential figure not only established Asylum Records in 1971 alongside others, but later went on to found Geffen Records and DGC Records as well. His film production company, Geffen Pictures, was responsible for creating several movies and TV series, such as “Personal Best,” “Beetlejuice,” “Interview with the Vampire,” and “Little Shop of Horrors.

In 1994, I was part of the groundbreaking team that established DreamWorks SKG alongside the legendary Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg. A decade on, DreamWorks Animation broke free, transforming into a publicly traded corporation.

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2025-07-23 07:24