Donald Bren Cuts Ties with Son David Amid $2 Million ‘Man Cave’ Investor Scam
American real estate mogul Donald Bren has severed ties with his son, David, following allegations that the younger Bren defrauded investors of over $2 million with a fake 'ultimate man cave' business.
Real EstateFraudDonald BrenDavid BrenInvestorReal Estate NewsOct 07, 2025
David claimed that ‘The Bunker’ would offer exclusive access to a collection of luxury cars like Ferraris, Bugattis, and Porsches, along with tailored dining experiences and premium wines and cigars, according to investor materials reviewed by the Los Angeles Times.
Numerous lawsuits have claimed that David entirely invented the business concept referred to as “the Soho House for car lovers.” The majority of investors said they lost no less than six-figure amounts in the alleged fraud that took place between 2020 and 2022, according to The New York Post.
One investor reportedly left California in disgrace, while another, who is said to have invested well over $100,000, was discovered dead in his garage, hanging from a noose, according to the LA Times.
Paul Hernandez, spokesperson for Donald Bren and Irvine Company, informed The Post in a statement, “We do not have a personal or business relationship with this individual.”
Founding members of ‘Bunker’, including Shark Tank star Mark Cuban, fashion designer and oil heir August Getty, Oracle’s Larry Ellison, and NBA champion Kristaps Porzingis, were expected to pay a $14,500 monthly fee for club benefits, according to a pitch referenced in a lawsuit seen by the news outlet.
David intended to house a collection of supercars in Beverly Hills once the project’s owners completed a $90 million purchase of Mr C’s Beverly Hills Hotel, according to an executive summary obtained by the LA Times.
However, the entire scheme was described as a “charade designed to lure investors…to fund his own extravagant lifestyle,” according to the lawsuit seen by the outlet. Another lawsuit claimed, “The Bunker does not exist. There is no ultra-high-end automotive club. There are no members. The business is a mirage.”
Claims that Donald Bren was an absent father surfaced during a 2003 trial when his ex-girlfriend, Jennifer McKay Gold, and their two children, including David, then 11, sued him for millions in retroactive child support. His lawyer told the LA Times he had already paid about $9 million in support. In the end, a jury ruled in his favour. However, years later, some defrauded investors reportedly said David acted as if the wealthy real estate mogul was always just a phone call away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Donald Bren?
Donald Bren is an American real estate mogul and the chairman of The Irvine Company, one of the largest private real estate companies in the United States. He is one of the richest people in America.
What is the ‘ultimate man cave’ business David Bren promoted?
David Bren promoted a business called ‘The Bunker,’ which he claimed would offer exclusive access to luxury cars, dining experiences, and premium wines and cigars for the super-wealthy. However, it was later revealed to be a fraudulent scheme.
How much money did David Bren allegedly defraud from investors?
David Bren is alleged to have defrauded investors of over $2 million through his fake ‘The Bunker’ business.
What did the lawsuits against David Bren claim?
The lawsuits claimed that David Bren's ‘The Bunker’ business was a complete fabrication and that he used the scheme to fund his own extravagant lifestyle, with no real business or club ever existing.
What was the outcome of the 2003 trial involving Donald Bren and his ex-girlfriend?
In a 2003 trial, Donald Bren's ex-girlfriend, Jennifer McKay Gold, and their two children, including David, sued him for retroactive child support. Bren's lawyer said he had already paid about $9 million in support, and the jury ruled in his favor.
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