Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 23, 2025 · Entertainment

Exposed: David Geffen's 'Darkest Secrets' Unveiled in Shocking Divorce Filing

Donovan Michaels sued his 82-year-old former lover, David Geffen, for breach of contract and accused him of using a 'toxic mix of seduction, control, promises of love, and lavish displays of wealth to entrap' him in 'a cycle of dependency, submission, and humiliation'

"BOMBSHELL SUIT ROCKS HOLLYWOOD: David Geffen's Younger Husband Accuses Him of 'Systemic Exploitation' and 'Toxic Mix of Seduction, Control, and Promises of Love'

In a shocking turn of events, Donovan Michaels - also known as David Armstrong - has filed a bombshell lawsuit against his 82-year-old billionaire lover, David Geffen. The stunning allegations claim that Geffen, worth an estimated $9 billion, used his wealth and power to exploit and manipulate Michaels, leaving the younger man feeling trapped and helpless.

According to the complaint filed at Los Angeles Superior Court and seen by The Scholarly Note, Michaels accuses Geffen of using a "toxic mix of seduction, control, promises of love, and lavish displays of wealth" to entrap him in a cycle of dependency, submission, and humiliation. The lawsuit alleges that Geffen's abuse of power began during their relationship, with the mogul dictating every aspect of Michaels' life, from his appearance to his financial transactions.

The estranged younger husband of billionaire mogul David Geffen (pictured) has accused him of 'systemic exploitation' during their marriage and believing himself to be 'untouchable' in the latest bombshell legal suit in their acrimonious public divorce

The drama-filled complaint paints a picture of a calculating and controlling individual who used his wealth and influence to manipulate Michaels, a vulnerable and marginalized young gay black man. The lawsuit claims that Geffen's actions were designed to keep Michaels in a state of perpetual subservience, with the mogul cutting off his financial support and leaving him without a home.

But it wasn't always this way. According to Michaels' account, he and Geffen met through an exclusive dating platform after Michaels moved to Florida with a friend. The younger man alleges that Geffen paid him $10,000 for sex on their first night together in 2016, marking the beginning of their tumultuous relationship.

As their romance blossomed, Michaels claims that Geffen showered him with gifts and attention, promising to support him financially for life. But behind closed doors, the lawsuit alleges that Geffen was exerting control over every aspect of Michaels' life, from his appearance to his personal hygiene.

Geffen allegedly paid Michaels $10,000 for sex on the night they first met back in 2016, and over time, their paid sexual relationship developed into a romantic partnership, according to the lawsuit seen by the Daily Mail. Pictured: David Geffen, Patrick Whitesell, Donovan Michaels & Michael B. Jordan courtside during the game during Game Three of the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs

The complaint also details a series of astonishing allegations about what went on during their relationship. Michaels claims that Geffen required him to undergo extensive and painful laser and dental treatments, as well as criticized his body hair and insisted he maintain a perfect appearance.

Despite the lavish lifestyle they shared, Michaels says that he was never truly happy, always feeling trapped by Geffen's controlling nature. The lawsuit alleges that Geffen used Michaels' vulnerability to fulfill his own personal fantasies, including their lucrative financial transactions.

The drama reached its peak when Geffen allegedly ordered Michaels to vacate their New York home without warning, leaving the younger man without a place to live. The lawsuit claims that Geffen then cut off Michaels' financial support, making it impossible for him to secure stable housing or cover basic living expenses.

The complaint also alleges that while Geffen was celebrating aboard his superyacht in Venice last month - surrounded by A-list guests ahead of the Jeff Bezos¿Lauren Sanchez wedding - he ordered Michaels to 'immediately vacate' their New York home - a move that would leave him without a home. Pictured: David Geffen's yacht Rising Sun

In a stunning display of wealth and excess, the complaint alleges that while Geffen was partying with A-list guests aboard his superyacht in Venice ahead of the Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sanchez wedding, he was simultaneously cutting off Michaels' financial support, leaving the younger man without a safety net.

The lawsuit is a shocking exposé of the darker side of Hollywood's elite, and raises questions about the nature of power and control. Will Geffen's reputation be tarnished by these allegations? Only time will tell.

Geffen allegedly also demanded that his ex-beau remove all of his body hair. Pictured: David Geffen and Donovan Michaels on his Instagram

Michaels claims he was 'awestruck by Geffen', a 'philanthropist' who 'talked the talk' when the younger man revealed issues 'during his underprivileged upbringing,' during the ill-fated couple's first meeting nine years ago. Pictured: David Geffen (L) and Elton John attend the opening of the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood, California

Geffen reportedly dated famous singer, Cher, for about two years in the mid-1970s, their relationship began shortly after Cher separated from Sonny Bono. Pictured: Cher and her then-boyfriend music mogul David Geffen attend an event in 1973