🗞️ Quick Summary
- David Geffen, 82, is being sued by estranged husband Donovan Michaels, 32.
- Michaels alleges Geffen promised "lifelong support"—then cut him off.
- No prenup was signed. Michaels claims breach of oral and implied contract.
- Geffen denies any such agreement. Court filings and Marvin claims in play.
A Billionaire Divorce Turns Legal—and Ugly
David Geffen, the retired music and movie mogul behind Geffen Records and DreamWorks, is facing a lawsuit from his estranged husband, Donovan Michaels (a.k.a. David Armstrong), alleging that the billionaire broke his promise of lifelong financial support.
Michaels, 32, filed the civil suit on July 22, 2025, in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming breach of express oral contract and breach of implied contract. Geffen, 82, filed for divorce in May, citing “irreconcilable differences” after less than two years of marriage. Notably, the couple never signed a prenup, according to documents reviewed by PEOPLE and Bloomberg Legal.
“In addition to evicting Michaels, Geffen also cut him off from his status quo financial support,” Michaels’ lawyers allege in the complaint.
“There was no contract—express, written, oral, or implied—that has ever existed,” said Geffen’s attorney Patty Glaser. “We will be vigorously and righteously defending against this false, pathetic lawsuit.”
💔 From Romance to Retaliation?
Michaels claims their relationship began via SeekingArrangements.com and alleges Geffen paid him $10,000 for sex the first night they met.
“Over time, what began as a paid sexual relationship evolved into a Marvin-type partnership,” the complaint states.
He further claims Geffen told him they would share assets equally and that Geffen would support him financially for life.
📅 Timeline of Events
- March 2023: Geffen and Michaels marry (no prenup)
- Feb 22, 2025: Listed date of separation
- April 25, 2025: Geffen allegedly evicts and cuts off Michaels
- May 16, 2025: Geffen files for divorce
- May 27, 2025: Court orders financial disclosures
- July 22, 2025: Michaels files breach-of-contract lawsuit
🔍 What’s a “Marvin Claim”?
Court Orders, Spousal Support, and Financial Stakes
When Geffen filed for divorce, he agreed to pay spousal support and legal fees. Michaels formally requested ongoing spousal support and “all other relief the Court deems just and proper.”
As of July 2025, Geffen’s net worth is estimated between $8.7 billion (Forbes) and $9.1 billion (Bloomberg).
“In 2023, Geffen and Michaels married. No prenup. No protections,” the complaint states. “[Michaels] gave his body, his love, his labor, his youth…”
Power Imbalance or Legal Opportunism?
Michaels describes the relationship as a “calculated pattern of abuse and commodification.” He claims that when he attempted to become more independent, Geffen retaliated by cutting him off financially and emotionally.
“This case exposes a stark power dynamic,” Michaels’ lawyers said. “Echoing Trading Places, it portrays a marginalized young man allegedly exploited by a billionaire hiding behind a façade of philanthropy.”
He is requesting lifetime financial support and a permanent home.
⚖️ Legal Outlook: Does Michaels Stand a Chance?
California courts can enforce oral contracts if the plaintiff proves:
- An agreement existed
- They relied on it to their detriment
- There was no coercion
Winning a Marvin claim requires clear and convincing evidence—such as communications, financial support history, and corroboration.
🧠 Legal Takeaway
Even without a prenup, informal promises of support can be binding under California’s Marvin doctrine—if proven. But proving them in court is difficult, especially against billionaires with elite legal teams, which is precisely where Postnuptial Agreements Work to provide clearer, legally defined terms.
📌 David Geffen Prenup Law Suit FAQs
Did David Geffen and Donovan Michaels sign a prenup?
No. According to divorce filings obtained by PEOPLE and Bloomberg Legal, the couple did not sign a prenuptial agreement before marrying in March 2023.
What is Donovan Michaels asking for in the lawsuit?
Michaels is requesting lifetime financial support, a separate home, and reimbursement of legal fees—citing both emotional labor and a verbal agreement of lifelong care.
Can verbal promises really be enforced in California divorce cases?
Yes, under California’s “Marvin” doctrine, oral or implied agreements between partners can be legally enforced—but only if there is sufficient evidence that the promise was made and relied upon.
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