LONDON — David Gest, a music producer, reality TV star and former husband of Liza Minnelli, was found dead Tuesday at a London hotel. He was 62.
Gest’s friend Imad Handi confirmed his death, remembering Gest as “a natural star and a genuine celebrity.”
“David was truly larger than life. He was not just a huge talent and a dear friend but a showbiz icon,” Handi said.
Born in 1953, Gest was raised in southern California, where he became friends with Michael Jackson and his family. He worked as a music promoter and television producer and was introduced to Minnelli by Jackson when Gest produced the King of Pop’s 30th anniversary tribute concert for television in 2001.
The couple married in 2002 but separated in a burst of headline-grabbing acrimony in 2003. Gest sued Minnelli for $10 million, alleging that she beat him so badly during alcoholic rages that he suffered permanent injuries.
The pair ended their dispute in 2007 and agreed to divorce without fault.
