Lawsuit Filed by Former Spouse of Prominent Art Collector David Geffen Alleging Break of Contract Agreement
David Geffen Sued by Estranged Husband in Breach of Contract and Abuse Case
David Geffen, the entertainment mogul and art collector, is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with his estranged husband, Donovan Michaels. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges breach of contract and personal abuse.
Michaels claims that Geffen, who is worth an estimated $9 billion according to Forbes, promised him "lifelong" financial support but then cut him off, leaving him nearly broke and homeless. The relationship between the two began in 2016 when Geffen paid Michaels $10,000 for sex after meeting on the dating site SeekingArrangements.com. They later married in 2023 without a prenuptial agreement.
The lawsuit describes the relationship as manipulative and abusive, with Geffen using Michaels as a "trophy" to showcase to wealthy friends while privately exploiting him. Michaels was evicted by Geffen shortly after the divorce proceedings were initiated.
In the lawsuit, Michaels also accuses Geffen of treating him as a "living social experiment" and a "trophy." The relationship is compared to the movie "Trading Places."
Geffen's art collection, valued at $2 billion, includes works by postwar masters like Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock. However, the lawsuit does not mention any legal issues related to this collection.
Interestingly, another legal dispute involving Geffen and crypto billionaire Justin Sun began in February, concerning an Alberto Giacometti sculpture. Sun's former art adviser, Sydney Xiong, is accused of exchanging Giacometti's Le Nez for two unidentified paintings from Geffen's collection and $10.5 million in cash. Geffen's countersuit described Sun's case as a "sham."
Despite these legal troubles, Geffen is a decorated patron of cultural institutions. He has donated $300 million to Lincoln Center, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Geffen is a regular member of the Top 200 Collectors list.
This latest lawsuit adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding Geffen's personal life. The outcome of this case remains to be seen.
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- In the art world, David Geffen's collection, valued at $2 billion, boasts works by postwar masters like Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock, making him a regular member of the Top 200 Collectors list.
- The latest lawsuit filed by Donovan Michaels, Geffen's estranged husband, alleges breach of contract, abuse, and treatment as a "living social experiment" or a "trophy," echoing the movie "Trading Places."
- Despite the ongoing legal battles, such as the dispute with crypto billionaire Justin Sun over an Alberto Giacometti sculpture, Geffen is a decorated patron of cultural institutions, having donated $300 million to Lincoln Center, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
- Celebrities and art collectors, like David Geffen, are regular attendees at modern art auctions, where they bid on sculptures and paintings to expand their extensive collections.
- The art world and entertainment industry merge when celebrities, such as Geffen, use their art collections to entertain guests or make a statement, showcasing their modern paintings and sculptures in high-profile museums.
