V. Stiviano says the world has it all wrong about Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, claiming that he isn’t racist although the recorded audio suggests otherwise. In a revealing interview, Stiviano defends Sterling and confirms a few other shocking details about their ongoing relationship as well.
Stiviano,31, was a guest on ABC’s 20/20 program with Barbara Walters conducting the exclusive interview. Interestingly enough, Sterling was supposed to grant Walters an interview but bailed at the last minute citing that he wasn’t ready to face the hot lights. Stiviano was more than game for the interview, and dropped a couple of bombshells along the way.
Transcript of the interview from Deadspin:
BW: You just left Donald Sterling. What is his state of mind right now?
VS: Confused. I think he feels very alone. Not truly supported by those around him. Tormented. Emotionally traumatized.
BW: Is Donald Sterling a racist?
VS: No, I don’t believe that in my heart.
BW: Have you heard him say derogatory things about other races?
VS: Yes.
BW: Don’t those sound racist to you?
VS: I think the things he says are not what he feels.
Stiviano, who refers to herself as Sterling’s “silly rabbit” in the interview, added that she is a confidant of his and says the owner pays her off the books. Stiviano was very careful in her replies to Walters, trying to outfox the veteran journalist who didn’t take the bait.
In essence, Stiviano claims that Sterling’s mindset is of another era and she encouraged him to see things in other ways as his confidant. What Stiviano fails to acknowledge or seemingly bypass is that Sterling has been married to wife Shelly Sterling for the past 57 years.
Mrs. Sterling is suing Stiviano and alleges she’s stealing money from her old man and using powers of seduction to secure gifts and money from the billionaire. Sterling has built a reputation of racism and for being a philanderer over the years.
Watch V. Stiviano’s 20/20 interview in the clip below.
