David Geffen And Estranged Husband Approaching Single Life Amid Nasty Divorce

The highly publicized acrimonious split between billionaire David Geffen and his estranged husband, Donovan Michaels, is nearing its conclusion.

The former couple began trending in May 2025 after the entertainment mogul filed to end their marriage just short of their second wedding anniversary. Surprisingly, they never signed a prenup when they tied the knot in 2023.

Naturally, not having a prenuptial agreement stipulating the splitting of their assets placed David Geffen's billion-dollar fortune at risk. Donovan Michaels also filed a since-dismissed civil lawsuit against him, dropping bombshell claims about their relationship.

According to new court documents, Geffen is days away from ending his romantic chapter with Michaels. After a nasty divorce battle that spanned months with shocking allegations, the former couple's marriage will officially be terminated on November 24.

On the same day, Geffen and Michaels will be declared legally single; however, regaining this status does not mark the end of their legal drama. Disputes such as property division and spousal support remain ongoing and will be finalized at a later date, per TMZ.

Earlier this month, court documents obtained by the outlet revealed significant progress in Geffen and Michaels' dispute. They had reportedly entered a written agreement regarding their property and partnership after butting heads over their finances.

Money was one of the reasons why Geffen and Michaels' separation turned nasty, with the latter accusing his much older former lover of hiding his wealth to pay minimal spousal support. On the other hand, the billionaire stressed that he had spent a considerable sum on his then-lover.

Geffen noted that he spared no effort to keep Michaels happy, including footing the bill for his penthouse in New York City. The drama skyrocketed in July when the former go-go dancer filed a civil lawsuit that shed light on the allegedly toxic dynamic of their relationship.

The Blast covered the story, reporting that Michaels had accused Geffen of exploitation and manipulation. He claimed the billionaire had treated him like "a living social experiment — a trophy to show off to his wealthy friends," while "masquerading as a white knight."

The allegations against Geffen continued, with Michaels comparing their relationship to the plot of the 1983 movie, "Trading Places." He described himself as a "young vulnerable black man, orphaned as a toddler" who was manipulated by "an exploiter" masquerading as his savior.

Michaels claimed the red flags started from the first time he met Geffen, alleging the entertainment mogul had offered him $10,000 for sex in 2016. They met through Seekingarrangements.com, a website "where men like Geffen shop for the vulnerable," his legal documents read.

The former porn actor painted a picture of an imbalanced power dynamic, where Geffen controlled everything with his wealth and influential status. Michaels alleged that he was used and then dumped as easily as he was acquired, claiming he was an object for his estranged husband's sexual satisfaction.

The Blast shared more bombshell allegations from Michaels' lawsuit in August, reporting that he had accused Geffen of modeling into the perfect trophy husband and sex partner. The former explicit movie performer accused his estranged husband of gaining sexual satisfaction by causing pain.

Michael alleges that Geffen sought "total dominion" over him, going as far as controlling his appearance by making him undergo painful procedures. He stressed that his appearance had to be perfect as minor flaws such as ingrown hair "was enough to raise Geffen's ire."

According to Michaels, Geffen's desire for control extended to his career, noting that he wasn't allowed to pursue his dreams or goals. Instead, he had to be the perfect "house husband" for the media proprietor, who used him to manage his assets.

Besides the troubling allegations of exploitation, manipulation, and sexual dominance, Michaels claimed his relationship with Geffen ended after he began asserting his independence. Additionally, he fought for his share of the mogul's wealth.

Michaels argued that, regardless of a prenup, his former partner had vowed to take care of him for life; however, he broke that promise by filing for divorce. His stance changed in October, with The Blast reporting that he had moved to dismiss his civil lawsuit against Geffen.

Court documents revealed that Michaels' attorney, Bryan Freedman, had filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice.

The legal move meant the case was over, but the allegations against Geffen could be refiled at a later date. The legal rep also noted that their financial disputes would be resolved through mediation.

Will David Geffen lose a substantial part of his wealth in the divorce?