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V. Stiviano says she and Donald Sterling are just buds and she's his beard (Photo via Instagram)
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It's been about a year since V. Stiviano leaked the damning audio recording of Donald Sterling's racist rant, leading him to lose his ownership of the Clippers and being banned from the NBA for life. But all the drama that ensued in the aftermath is finally reaching its end as Stiviano is now being forced to return $2.6 million worth of gifts that he showered upon her back to his wife, Shelly Sterling.
Revenge is a dish best served cold, at least in Shelly Sterling's case. On Tuesday, L.A. Superior Court Judge Richard Fruin Jr. ruled that Stiviano—Donald's Sterling's 32-year-old visor-wearing ex-companion—had to give up her sweet digs, a $1.8 million Spanish-style duplex, as well as hand back $800,000 cash from her stash of presents, the AP reports. That includes her Ferrari, two Bentleys and Range Rover and Louis Vuitton suitcase, among other things. (The long list of lavish gifts, which also includes $10,420 Channel bags, a $391 Easter bunny costume and $354 birthday cake can be seen here.)
Shelly Sterling (Photo via AP) Shelly Sterling argued that Stiviano preyed upon and manipulated her 80-year-old billionaire husband who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease last year to buy her luxury gifts. She said that the money Donald Sterling used to secretly buy Stiviano's presents weren't his to begin with. The funds came out of a community property the couple shared—the pair amassed a fortune from real estate dealings throughout their 60 years of marriage. Judge Fruin said Stiviano had to return the funds to the Sterling Family Trust.Stiviano's defense was that she was given the gifts when the couple was separated, but Judge Fruin said that even though the couple was estranged and had their problems, they were still together throughout that entire time, according to the L.A. Times. "However, the parties continued to live together, to travel together, to hold parties together and to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries together," he said.
However, it's a little murky on what Stiviano and Donald Sterling's relationship was like. Shelly Sterling's attorney, Pierce O'Donnell, called Stiviano a "conniving mistress," but Stiviano and Donald Sterling have denied that. Stiviano has referred to him as a father figure and lover, and Sterling has called her a "ex-friend."
"I did not have a romantic relationship," Stiviano said in court last month about their two-and-a-half-year relationship, according to Courthouse News Service. "We developed a relationship of love. He told me he loved me this Sunday when we last spoke."
While O'Donnell said Shelly Sterling was "thrilled" with the judge's decision, Stiviano was disappointed. Her attorney Mac Nehoray said they would appeal the decision.
Every two years, Desert X presents site-specific outdoor installations throughout the Coachella Valley. Two Los Angeles artists have new work on display.
