Billionaire David Geffen is ready to close the chapter on his marriage — and he’s willing to open his wallet while doing it. In new legal documents obtained by TMZ, the music mogul and media titan proposes paying his estranged husband, David Andrew Armstrong (aka Donovan Michaels), up to $50,000 per month in spousal support.
But there’s a catch: Geffen wants the payments to last only 12 months, retroactive to their split, with credit for funds he’s already paid out.
Geffen Says He’s Already Spent Millions
According to court filings, Geffen claims he has already disbursed:
- $200,000 in cash since their separation in February.
- Nearly $200,000 to cover Armstrong’s rehab.
- Rent-free living in a $15,000/month Upper East Side apartment he owns.
- Ownership of $5 million in art, jewelry, and watches purchased by Geffen for Armstrong.
Geffen’s divorce was first reported in May, and notably, there is no prenup between the couple.
Spousal Support Dispute Gets Contentious
Filed by high-profile divorce attorney Laura Wasser, Geffen’s documents indicate he’s made multiple efforts to resolve the spousal support battle through mediation, but it fell apart. Geffen alleges Armstrong attempted to extort him with a media smear campaign, further complicating the split.
He also points out the age and circumstances of their marriage: Geffen was 80 and retired for over a decade when he married the much younger Armstrong. The couple did not accumulate any community property during their 23-month marriage.
In short, Geffen asserts that while he may pay some spousal support, Armstrong is not entitled to a cut of his estimated $8.7 BILLION fortune.
Geffen Wants the Divorce Fast
Beyond the financials, Geffen is seeking a legal declaration that the marriage is “undoubtedly irremediably broken down.” He wants the court to officially terminate the marriage, making him single in the eyes of the law — and he wants it done as quickly as possible.
This move underscores Geffen’s desire to move on from the relationship entirely, even while he’s willing to provide financial support to Armstrong for a limited period.
Key Takeaways
- David Geffen offers $50K/month spousal support, retroactive to their split.
- Payments proposed for 12 months only, with credit for prior expenditures.
- Geffen claims to have spent millions already on cash, rehab, and luxury gifts.
- Armstrong allegedly tried media extortion, per Geffen.
- Geffen wants divorce finalized quickly, citing marriage as “irremediably broken.”
- Despite spousal support, Armstrong not entitled to Geffen’s $8.7B fortune.
Fans and industry insiders are watching closely as one of music and media’s biggest moguls navigates a high-profile divorce that combines luxury, legal drama, and media scrutiny.
Stay tuned for updates on David Geffen’s divorce proceedings. What do you think of the $50K/month offer? Drop a comment below!