Liza Minnelli Felt Like a Prisoner in Insane Marriage

Liza Minnelli has described her brief marriage to producer David Gest as "insane," a period during which she felt "controlled" and "like a prisoner." The 79-year-old star married Gest in 2002, but they separated just over a year later, with their divorce finalized in 2007.

In her memoir, Minnelli labels Gest a "conman" and "clown," admitting she married him while "not sober" and ignored obvious warning signs. She recounts meeting Gest during a time of financial desperation and vulnerability, impressed by his tales of business success.

Their lavish wedding, with Michael Jackson as best man, quickly soured. Minnelli claims Gest returned wedding gifts without her knowledge, sold them, and "raided" her bank accounts. He allegedly took her confidence and freedom, dictating her diet and social interactions.

Minnelli further alleges Gest sold her furniture and redecorated her apartment to resemble a "bargain-basement crash pad." The relationship reportedly descended into physical altercations before their separation, leading to a "nasty, brutal divorce."

Despite her anger, Minnelli accepts responsibility for her part, stating she would not have allowed herself to be "bulldozed" if she had been "full, clear and sober." Gest later sued Minnelli for $10 million, claiming domestic violence, but the lawsuit was dismissed in 2006.

Gest passed away in 2016 at age 62. The ordeal has left Minnelli determined never to marry again.