D
onald Bren, the 93‑year‑old chairman of the Irvine Company and the richest real‑estate developer in the United States, has publicly severed ties with his son, David Bren, after a decade‑long legal battle that exposed private family matters. In a terse 12‑word statement, Bren’s spokesperson declared that the company and its owner have no personal or business relationship with David.
David, now 33, has sued his father for millions, alleging that he was defrauded by a fictitious venture called the “ultimate man cave.” The scheme promised ultra‑rich clients a luxury suite featuring high‑end vehicles and curated dining experiences that never materialised, according to lawsuits reported by the Los Angeles Times. The alleged scam cost investors $2 million.
The dispute dates back to 2003, when Jennifer McKay Gold, the children’s mother and former partner of Donald, filed suit on behalf of David and his sister Christie Alexis Bren (then 18 and 22). Gold had dated Donald from 1984 to 1994, a period during which she claimed he promised to support the children. She argued that Donald paid less in an out‑of‑court child‑support agreement than he would have if she had taken the case to court, and that he failed to honour his commitments to the kids’ upbringing.
By 2010, Donald had already paid $9 million in child support, according to his attorney, Jon Freund. His lawyers maintained that the payments enabled David and Christie to enjoy a privileged childhood, with private schooling, tutoring, luxury cars, homes, and exotic vacations. Gold countered that the issue was not greed but the protection of the children’s rights, citing love letters and intimate details that she said revealed a passionate relationship with Donald.
During the 2010 trial, Gold testified that Donald was aware of her contraceptive limitations and that they had experimented with a sponge, which he reportedly disliked. She also presented love notes, including one that read, “Jennifer, the enclosed check is for you to pick out your birthday suit. Love and kisses.” Donald, however, denied ever living with Gold or being in love with her, describing their relationship as “unusual” and “unconventional.” He claimed he did not learn of the children’s births until months later, after phone calls from Gold, and that he was not listed on their birth certificates.
The jury ultimately ruled in favor of Donald Bren, though he agreed to continue funding the children’s education until they reach 25. David’s reaction to the verdict was visibly upset. Gold, meanwhile, expressed anger and hurt, stating that the ruling was cruel.
Despite the public fallout, neither Donald nor David responded to requests for comment. The Irvine Company, which owns 129 million square feet of real‑estate—primarily in Southern California—remains a dominant force in the market, while the family’s legal saga has drawn attention to the private lives of one of the nation’s wealthiest figures.
