Retired music mogul David Geffen has officially filed for divorce from his dancer husband, David Armstrong—also known by his stage name, Donovan Michaels—just shy of their two-year wedding anniversary. The 82-year-old billionaire and his 32-year-old partner had no prenuptial agreement in place. In accordance with California law, Geffen will pay one year of spousal support, which equates to half the length of their marriage. This arrangement was revealed in court documents obtained by TMZ and People.
Geffen’s Wealth Protected by Law Despite No Prenup in Divorce Proceedings
Despite the lack of a prenup, Geffen’s fortune is largely protected. His wealth primarily stems from stocks and other equities, which are considered separate property under California law. As such, any dividends and returns from these investments remain his own and will not be subject to division in the divorce. This legal nuance significantly minimizes the financial impact of the separation for Geffen, who is worth an estimated $8.7 billion.
David Geffen Files for Divorce from Husband David Armstrong After Nearly Two Years of MarriageThe divorce petition was filed on May 16 in Los Angeles, with Geffen citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split. The couple officially separated earlier in the year, on February 22. High-profile divorce attorney Laura Wasser, renowned for representing celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Kevin Costner, and Ariana Grande, is handling the case for Geffen. Known as the “Disso Queen,” Wasser brings her extensive experience in celebrity breakups to this high-stakes divorce.
Geffen’s Private Relationship Revealed Through Rare Social Media Moments and Separation
Geffen, who came out as gay in 1992, maintained a relatively private relationship with Armstrong. However, some glimpses of their life together were shared on social media. People noted that Geffen once posted a photo of the couple aboard his $400 million yacht, Rising Sun, in December 2021, though the image has since been removed. The deletion and recent filing underscore the couple’s shift from public appearances to a discreet separation.
Beyond his personal life, David Geffen has made a lasting impact on the worlds of entertainment and culture. He founded three influential record labels—Asylum Records, Geffen Records, and DGC Records—and co-founded the DreamWorks SKG film studio. Known for his philanthropy, Geffen contributed \$100 million to the renovation of New York City’s Avery Fisher Hall, which was subsequently renamed David Geffen Hall. The revitalized venue, now the home of the New York Philharmonic, reopened in 2022 after a comprehensive two-year renovation.