David Geffen Accused of ‘Systemic Exploitation’ by Younger Estranged Husband in Explosive Divorce Lawsuit
Grab your popcorn, because billionaire drama just went full telenovela. Donovan Michaels — also known as David Armstrong — has filed a bombshell lawsuit against his estranged husband, legendary entertainment mogul David Geffen, accusing him of emotional manipulation, financial control, and systemic exploitation during their relationship.
The court docs, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court and seen by Media Take Out, paint a picture that’s more “Succession” than fairytale romance. Michaels, 32, says their split isn’t just a classic messy breakup — it’s about power, privilege, and abuse.
Geffen, now 82 and worth an estimated $9 billion, allegedly used “a toxic mix of seduction, control, promises of love, and lavish displays of wealth” to trap Michaels — a younger, gay Black man — in a cycle of dependency and humiliation. “Behind the glittering façade of their relationship was a calculated pattern of abuse and commodification,” the 33-page complaint claims. Whew.
How Did This Even Start?
According to the filing, the pair first connected on SeekingArrangements.com — the luxury dating site known for, let’s say, “mutually beneficial” relationships. Michaels had moved to Florida with a friend and, after struggling financially, turned to exotic dancing and adult content to get by.
That’s when Geffen allegedly slid into his online DMs, offering $10,000 for their first night together in 2016. What started as a paid encounter turned into something much deeper — or so Michaels believed. Over time, the two reportedly entered into a romantic relationship and even agreed to be life partners, with Geffen allegedly promising to share assets and financially support Michaels for life.
In exchange, Michaels says he gave up his modeling career, independence, and dreams to be by Geffen’s side.
From Superyachts to Eviction Notices
But fast-forward to 2024, and things took a brutal turn. While Geffen was busy partying on his superyacht in Venice — casually rubbing elbows with A-listers ahead of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding — Michaels claims he was told to immediately vacate their New York home. No warning, no backup plan, no place to go.
Not only was he allegedly kicked out, but Geffen also cut off all financial support, making it “impossible” for Michaels to cover basic expenses, secure housing, or maintain the standard of living he’d grown used to.
So, while Geffen was “dancing the night away with the .0001%,” Michaels says he was left homeless and financially stranded.
What’s Next?
The lawsuit includes allegations of breach of contract and paints Geffen as someone who used his status and billions to control and ultimately discard a vulnerable partner. Michaels isn’t just looking for sympathy — he’s demanding justice and what he says he’s owed after years of emotional and financial sacrifice.
As of now, Geffen has not responded publicly to the lawsuit.
So yeah, even in the world of yachts, private jets, and nine-figure bank accounts, heartbreak and power struggles are very much a thing. But when billionaires break up? It gets dark — and very, very public.