Background of David Geffen's Marital History

David Geffen's romantic life took its first public step when he began dating actress Cher in the 1970s. Their high-profile relationship captured the spotlight, but the couple ultimately parted ways. Nonetheless, Geffen's connection with Cher marked a significant chapter in his life.

In 1992, Geffen publicly came out as gay, reshaping the narrative around his personal life. Following this revelation, he entered a series of relationships with various men, but none led to lasting commitments until his marriage to David Armstrong in 2023.

Geffen and Armstrong's union was notable due to their significant age difference, with Geffen being 50 years older. Their marriage attracted attention for its private nature, contrasting sharply with the glamorous celebrity life Geffen once led.

The divorce, filed after less than two years, raises eyebrows due to the lack of a prenup. As per California law, Geffen will be responsible for spousal support, ensuring Armstrong receives financial assistance despite the brevity of their marriage.

Details Surrounding the Divorce Filing

Billionaire music mogul David Geffen has officially filed for divorce from his husband David Armstrong after a brief two-year marriage. The couple tied the knot in March 2023 but cited "irreconcilable differences" in a divorce petition filed on May 16, 2025. The document reveals their separation date was marked just a few months before the filing.

As reported, Geffen and Armstrong did not sign a prenup before marrying. This omission may have significant financial implications for both parties. Although Armstrong is set to receive spousal support for one year due to California law, the couple's lack of a prenup could complicate matters further.

David Geffen, 82, co-founded several record labels, including Asylum Records and Geffen Records. Reports estimate his net worth at a staggering $8.7 billion, predominantly consisting of stocks rather than liquid cash. This financial structure may impact Armstrong's support, as dividends from stocks are typically considered separate assets in California.

While Geffen and Armstrong kept their relationship relatively private, they occasionally shared glimpses on social media. In a now-deleted Instagram post, Geffen once captioned a photo of them aboard his luxurious yacht, the Rising Sun, valued at $400 million. Their romance has been under the public eye, especially since Geffen's past high-profile relationships and his coming out in 1992.

The Financial Implications of Their Split

Billionaire music mogul David Geffen’s recent divorce from David Armstrong potentially carries significant financial implications. The absence of a prenup means California's divorce laws will heavily influence the distribution of assets, especially given Geffen's considerable wealth.

Under California law, Geffen is obligated to provide Armstrong with spousal support for one year, reflecting the marriage's relatively brief duration. This financial support is critical for Armstrong, who may not be entitled to substantial assets due to the couple’s lack of a prenuptial agreement.

Geffen's fortune, primarily held in stocks and properties, means that many of his assets could remain unaffected by the divorce. Dividends from his investments are likely not subject to division, leaving Armstrong without significant cash flow from the split.

Another notable aspect of the divorce is Geffen’s agreement to cover Armstrong’s attorney fees. This decision illustrates Geffen’s willingness to ease the financial burden on Armstrong during the separation, despite the couple’s short-lived marriage.