David Geffen’s Estranged Husband Says $50K a Month “Isn’t Enough” — Claims Billionaire Spent $3 Million Monthly During Marriage
It looks like billionaire entertainment mogul David Geffen is in the middle of one very expensive breakup — and his estranged husband, David Armstrong (who also goes by Donovan Michaels), says the media tycoon is trying to “lowball” him in spousal support.
According to newly filed court documents obtained by Media Take Out, Armstrong claims that Geffen’s current offer of $50,000 per month in support doesn’t even come close to what he’s entitled to — especially considering the lavish lifestyle they shared while together.
“$3 Million a Month Lifestyle”
Armstrong says during their relationship, Geffen — whose net worth is estimated at $8.9 billion — regularly spent over $3 million a month on living expenses. From luxury travel and private jets to multimillion-dollar homes in New York, Malibu, and Beverly Hills, Armstrong says their life together was one of nonstop luxury.
Now that the marriage is ending, Armstrong insists he deserves to maintain that same standard of living. “Fifty thousand dollars doesn’t even scratch the surface,” he argues in his filing.
He also claims that Geffen, who recently told the court he is “retired,” is still working actively behind the scenes as a venture capitalist, high-level investor, and power broker in the entertainment and tech industries.
Allegations of Emotional and Physical Harm
Armstrong’s legal team also raised serious allegations in the court documents, claiming Geffen first “solicited” him when he was a vulnerable young adult just aging out of foster care, and that the billionaire caused him “emotional, physical, and psychological harm” during their relationship.
While these claims haven’t been proven in court, Armstrong’s lawyers are using them to argue that he deserves significant compensation and long-term financial support.
Geffen Pushes Back
Geffen’s high-powered attorney Laura Wasser — one of Hollywood’s top divorce lawyers — fired back in new court filings, calling Armstrong’s financial demands unreasonable.
Wasser says Geffen has already paid $400,000 in support since the couple’s separation and is covering Armstrong’s rent-free stay in a $15,000-per-month New York City apartment.
Geffen’s team says the billionaire is “working in good faith” to finalize the divorce quickly, but accuses Armstrong of dragging out proceedings to seek more money.
A Short, High-Profile Marriage
The couple’s whirlwind romance became public in 2022, when Geffen — then 79 — married Armstrong, reportedly in a private ceremony with no prenuptial agreement in place. The marriage lasted less than two years before Geffen filed for divorce in August 2025.
The lack of a prenup could make this one of the most high-stakes celebrity divorces in recent memory.
Armstrong initially filed a civil lawsuit against Geffen earlier this year, alleging abuse, but dropped it in October. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, said the pair would now try to resolve all disputes — financial and otherwise — through mediation.
A Costly Ending
If Armstrong’s claims hold up, this could be one of the most expensive splits of the decade.
As one insider put it to Media Take Out: “When you live a billionaire lifestyle, even $50,000 a month starts to look small.”
For now, both sides seem dug in — and it’s clear this divorce isn’t ending quietly.