Legendary entertainer Liza Minnelli is still tormented by the memory of her short-lived and toxic marriage to music producer David Gest, even years after his death, according to those closest to her.
Minnelli, now 79, has avoided speaking publicly about Gest, her fourth husband, whom she married in 2002 in a lavish New York City ceremony attended by 850 guests including Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson. Their union, however, crumbled in just 16 months.
Gest accused Minnelli of alcohol-fueled violence, while she countered with claims he was controlling and manipulative. Their divorce became a spectacle, with Gest suing for $10 million and Minnelli firing back with accusations of theft.
New documentary reveals hidden trauma
The emotional wounds left by the failed marriage are once again in the spotlight due to a new documentary, Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story. The film highlights how Gest’s behavior left lasting damage on the Cabaret star, long after their breakup and even following his death from a stroke in 2016.
Dentist Allan Lazare, a close acquaintance of Minnelli, revealed in the film that Gest entered her life when she was vulnerable. Lazare said that Minnelli had gained weight and was struggling at the time, and Gest swept in with charm that quickly turned into control. He claimed Gest eventually took over every part of her life.
Gest left her nearly nothing after split
Friends say the cruelty continued even after the separation. Minnelli allegedly returned home from a tour to discover Gest had stripped their apartment of all furniture and artwork, leaving only a bed and a lamp behind. According to one insider, she was devastated while trying to recover her personal belongings, a painful process that left emotional scars that never healed.
Those closest to Minnelli say the topic of Gest still triggers her deeply. Even decades later, she becomes visibly upset when his name is mentioned. Despite her resilience through health challenges — including hip and knee replacements, jaw surgery, and struggles with addiction — the emotional toll of her marriage to Gest remains the most damaging.
“David may be gone, but he left her with a lot of scars,” a source explained. “She rarely speaks his name. That period was the lowest point in her life.”
Although Minnelli has remained strong in public and continued to perform, privately, the wounds remain fresh. The documentary, while celebratory of her career, offers a rare and painful look into a chapter she wishes could be erased.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.