The mysterious marriage and split between David Geffen and model Donovan Michaels have spilled out into the public domain–in nasty ways.
On Tuesday, Michaels, aka David Armstrong, sued the mogul for breach of contract in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming the multibillionaire treated him like “a living social experiment, a trophy to show off to his wealthy friends, under the guise of benevolence.”
Michaels did not first encounter Geffen in boardroom, at gala or through friends. The couple met via SeekingArrangements.com, website “where men like Geffen shop for the vulnerable.” “Geffen learned of Michaels’ troubled past — his history of neglect, poverty, instability, and legal entanglements. Rather than respond with empathy or support, Geffen saw Michaels as object of exploitation: a young, attractive, gay black man whose trauma could be weaponized for Geffen’s personal gratification and public image.”
The lawsuit follows private discussions between the couple, who split in April. Geffen, a titan of the industry who co-founded DreamWorks with Spielberg and Katzenberg alongside significant music assets, is represented by divorce attorney Laura Wasser. Michaels is working with Samantha Spector.
Wasser and Spector are once again squaring off as they have done previously in celeb divorces including Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard and Dr. Dre and Nicole Young.
The lawsuit offers Michaels’ side of the union and references “abuse” by Geffen as well as the billionaire’s “proclivities.” Michaels’ lawyers held back on some salacious allegations out of respect for Geffen.
Michaels’ complaint leans into the power chasm between the two. As Geffen was hosting A-list friends on his superyacht Rising Sun on the eve of Jeff Bezos wedding, “he demanded that Michaels immediately vacate the New York residence, which would effectively render Michaels homeless,” the complaint states.
“At the same time, Geffen was decadently and extravagantly partying and dancing the night away in Venice, Italy with the other 1% of the wealthiest people. In addition to evicting, Geffen also cut him off from his financial support, making it impossible for Michaels to secure appropriate living situation and provide for his daily necessities. While Geffen holds himself out to the public as charitable man whose foundation gives millions of dollars to advocacy and support groups for homeless and disadvantaged populations, he is simultaneously endeavoring to render Michaels impoverished and homeless.”
“Geffen made variety illicit drugs available to Michaels, including cocaine, molly, and cannabis,” the complaint says. “Michaels was expected to use drugs along with Geffen and friends, and he did his best to keep up with Geffen’s fast lifestyle. However, Michaels’ traumatic past was emotional ticking time.”
“Afraid, isolated, and without meaningful care or support, Michaels was left with no choice but to file this action.”
The complaint fills in some blanks, including how the pair first quickly connected after Michaels posted a profile on SeekingArrangements.com. According to the company, it is “the most successful luxury dating website in the world surpassing 52 million members in over 146 countries.”
