David Geffen Faces Breach-of-Contract Suit from Estranged Husband

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2025 - Entertainment mogul David Geffen, 82, was sued today by his estranged husband, Donovan Michaels, in Los Angeles Superior Court. Michaels, 32, alleges Geffen exploited him and failed to honor a contractual agreement between the pair.

According to the complaint, filed Tuesday, Michaels claims that Geffen used his vast wealth and influence to coerce him-described as “a vulnerable, marginalized young gay Black man”-into a relationship premised on financial promises. The suit accuses Geffen of paying Michaels $10,000 for sex on the night they met and then reneging on further financial commitments when their relationship soured.

The pair met in 2023 through the dating site SeekingArrangements.com and were married in a private Beverly Hills ceremony later that year. Geffen publicly filed for divorce earlier this year, citing irreconcilable differences. Details of their private life have since emerged through court filings and media reports.

Michaels’ lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory damages, alleging breach of contract, fraud and emotional distress. It describes a pattern of financial inducements followed by abandonment once Geffen’s promises were unmet.

A representative for Geffen declined to comment. The case is set for an initial hearing next month. Michaels is represented by attorney Carly Thomas of The Hollywood Reporter, who first broke the story in May.

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