David Geffen’s messy breakup with his much younger husband, Donovan Michaels (also known as David Armstrong), has taken another twist — as Michaels has now abruptly dropped his bombshell lawsuit against the 82-year-old billionaire.
The 32-year-old former go-go dancer made headlines in July when he accused Geffen of using a “toxic mix of seduction, control, and lavish wealth” to manipulate him into a “cycle of dependency and humiliation.”
The two reportedly met in 2016 on the dating site SeekingArrangements.com and got married in 2023 — without a prenup.
In the now-dropped civil suit, Michaels alleged that Geffen forced him to have all his body hair lasered off and once lost his temper over an ingrown hair. He also claimed Geffen paid him $10,000 the first night they met and later promised to share all assets equally — a deal Michaels said led him to give up his modeling career.
According to court documents obtained by Daily Mail, Michaels’ attorney Bryan Freedman (who also represents Justin Baldoni in his case against Blake Lively) filed a motion to dismiss the case “without prejudice,” meaning it can be refiled later.
Geffen, worth an estimated $8.7 billion, has already shelled out around $400,000 since their February split — including rehab bills, rent, and cash — and reportedly offered $50,000 a month in support for a year.
But Michaels’ lawsuit painted a darker picture, accusing Geffen of exploiting him as a “vulnerable, marginalized young gay black man” while flaunting a life of luxury among “the .0001%.”
Geffen’s legal team, led by Hollywood powerhouse lawyer Laura Wasser, denied the claims — saying Geffen has been generous and cooperative, but that Michaels is now trying to pressure him through the media.
