V. Stiviano, the woman Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling told not to bring “black people” to Clippers games on an audio recording, claimed that Sterling was not a racist and she was his “silly rabbit” and not his “whore.”
Stiviano, days after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling for life, fined him $2.5 million, and announced that he would ask 3/4 of the league’s owners to force him to sell his team, gave an interview to Barbara Walters on 20/20 on Friday night.
“No, I don’t believe that in my heart,” Stiviano said when asked if Sterling was a racist even though she said Sterling has said racist things about other races. “I think the things he says are not what he feels”
Stiviano then said that Sterling’s actions have not shown that he is a racist despite numerous lawsuits against him by his minority tenants alleging blatant racism and discrimination.
“I think Mr. Sterling is from a different generation than I am,” she said. “I think he was brought up to believe these things … segregation, whites and blacks. But through his actions he’s shown that he’s not a racist. He’s shown to be a very generous and kind man.”
Stiviano, whose lawyer has said that Sterling was record with his consent, then said that she was his “silly rabbit” and not his “whore.”
“I’m his right-hand arm man. I’m his best friend, his confidant. His silly rabbit,” she said.
Walters then asked, “his what?”
Stiviano responded, “his silly rabbit.”
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