Explosive court documents have laid bare the extravagant lifestyle of a former steward on billionaire David Geffen's legendary superyacht, the Rising Sun, as he files for divorce from his husband in a case that reads like a thriller.
Donovan Michaels, 37, is seeking to end his marriage to Jeremy Mora, 32, in a Los Angeles filing that pulls back the curtain on a world of unimaginable wealth and alleged manipulation. The papers claim their entire relationship was orchestrated by media mogul Geffen himself to secure a green card for his ex-partner, Mora.
A Life Funded by a Billionaire
Michaels' declaration to the court paints a picture of a life utterly bankrolled by Geffen. He details how the billionaire provided him with a luxurious apartment, a generous monthly allowance for living expenses and clothing, and even funded his musical pursuits.
"David Geffen has been supporting me financially since 2021," Michaels stated. This support allegedly included a staggering $7,000 monthly rent for an apartment in a building owned by Geffen and an additional $5,000 per month for other costs.
The 'Sham' Marriage Allegation
The core of the filing alleges that Michaels' marriage to Mora was a complete fabrication, masterminded by Geffen to allow Mora to remain in the United States. Michaels claims he was a mere pawn in the billionaire's game.
"Jeremy and I never had a real marriage," Michaels asserted. "We never lived together as a couple, we never shared finances, and we never intended to build a life together. The marriage was for the sole purpose of allowing Jeremy to get a green card."
From Yacht Steward to Geffen's Inner Circle
Michaels' journey into this opulent world began when he was hired to work aboard the Rising Sun, one of the largest and most famous private yachts in the world. He later transitioned into a role as Geffen's personal assistant, placing him at the very heart of the billionaire's daily life.
The divorce filing is brimming with tantalising details of the inner workings of Geffen's world, from the operations of his majestic vessel to the financial dependencies of those within his orbit.
As this sensational case unfolds in a Los Angeles court, it promises to reveal even more about the complex and powerful dynamics of one of the world's most exclusive circles.
