Billionaire Donald Bren Disowns Son Amid Multi-Million Dollar Luxury Club Scandal

Real estate billionaire Donald Bren has publicly severed ties with his son David. The 93-year-old Irvine Company chairman acted after his 33-year-old son was accused of a massive investment fraud. David Bren allegedly orchestrated a scam centered on a fictitious luxury automotive club.

The scheme, dubbed “The Bunker,” promised investors an exclusive “ultimate man cave.” According to the Los Angeles Times, David Bren claimed it would offer access to supercars like Ferraris and Bugattis. High-end food, wine, and cigars were also part of the fabricated pitch.

Investors Lose Millions in “Mirage” Business

Court documents reveal investors were misled into contributing large sums between 2020 and 2022. One lawsuit described the venture as a complete fabrication. The legal filing stated the business was a “charade” designed to fund David’s lavish lifestyle.

The fallout has been severe. One investor, Tony Chen, died by suicide in 2022 after losing most of his savings. Another investor, Nanxi Lu, reported investing $100,000. She said she received only a partial refund and a free membership offer after asking for her money back.

A Pattern of Deception and Strained Family Ties

David Bren reportedly leveraged his family name to gain trust. He sometimes implied he had a close relationship with his powerful father. Associates said he presented as someone who could call his father at any moment.

This is not the first public family strife. In 2003, Donald Bren’s ex-partner and their two children sued him for increased child support. A jury ultimately ruled in the billionaire’s favor. The current disavowal reinforces a long-standing distance.

The case highlights the devastating human cost of high-stakes fraud. The ongoing legal proceedings continue to unravel the details of the alleged “ultimate man cave” scam.

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Who is Donald Bren?

Donald Bren is the 93-year-old chairman of the Irvine Company. He is a real estate tycoon with an estimated net worth of $19 billion, making him one of America’s wealthiest individuals.

What was “The Bunker” scam?

David Bren allegedly invented a fake luxury car club to lure investors. He promised access to supercars and high-end amenities, but the business was a complete mirage designed to steal millions.

How much money was involved?

Investors were allegedly scammed out of more than $2 million. Individual investments ranged from $100,000 to much larger sums, with one victim losing most of his life savings.

What was Donald Bren’s response?

Through a spokesperson, Donald Bren issued a firm statement. He declared he has no personal or business relationship with his son, David.

Are there any legal consequences?

Yes, multiple lawsuits have been filed by defrauded investors. The cases are proceeding through the civil court system as victims seek to recover their lost funds.