Shelly Sterling Awarded $2.6 Million in Suit Against V. Stiviano

5/11/14 – In an ABC News exclusive, Barbara Walters sat down with Shelley Sterling. Photo: ABC/ Ida Mae Astute(LOS ANGELES) — Shelly Sterling, the wife of billionaire Donald Sterling, the embattled former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers who was forced to step down for racist remarks his former companion surreptitiously recorded, has won her lawsuit against that woman, V. Stiviano.

In the lawsuit, which argued that Donald Sterling, 80, had showered V. Stiviano with gifts paid for with the couple’s shared assets, Shelly Sterling had requested that Stiviano give it all back, from charity donations to a $1.8 million duplex.

Shelly Sterling claimed Stiviano had seduced and manipulated her 80-year-old husband of 60 years, who she said suffered from the “onset of dementia.”

A judge ruled Tuesday in Shelly Sterling’s favor, ordering Stiviano to pay back $2.6 million in gifts that she’d received from Donald Sterling during the two-year relationship. Stiviano’s lawyers had reportedly argued that the Sterlings were separated at the time.

In April 2014, the NBA handed Donald Sterling a lifetime ban and a $2.5 million fine for his remarks about African-Americans that were made public thanks to the leaked audio recordings.

Stiviano, who was on the receiving end of Sterling’s rant on the leaked tapes and describes herself as black and Mexican, told ABC News’ Barbara Walters in a May 2014 interview that she had recorded their conversations and shared them with friends.

She maintained, however, that a friend had leaked the audio. She also denied having a romantic relationship with Donald Sterling.

“I’m Mr. Sterling’s everything,” she said during that interview. “I’m his confidante, his best friend, his silly rabbit.”

In a separate Walters interview in May 2014, Shelly Sterling discussed the legal action against Stiviano, which had been well under way before the recordings were released.

“Donald bought her three cars — a Ferrari, two Bentleys. … Jewelry, many things,” she said in that interview. “And I felt I wanted my 50 percent back.”

According to the ruling, Stiviano not only has to pay back the more than $400,000 spent on three luxury cars — two of which she has since sold — but also $430,000 in cash payments. She’ll also have to surrender the home she was gifted and still lives in.

Stiviano’s attorney Mac Nehoray said that the defense team is, “very disappointed,” stating, “Judges are supposed to interpret the law, not make them.” He also said that Stiviano would appeal the ruling.

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