Donald Sterling, Wife Shelly Sterling Makes First Public Appearance After Girlfriend V.Stiviano Audio Leaks of Racist Remarks
Los Angeles Clippers Donald Sterling and his wife Shelly Sterling made their first public appearance since two alleged audios leaked of him making racist comments towards African Americans.
Donald and Shelly were leaving Fleming's steakhouse in Downtown Los Angeles Sunday night when a photographer appraoched the NBA owner and asked if was a racist. Donald did not respond, but Shelly was heard screaming at the camera guy, saying, "of course not."
On Monday, Shelly released a statement distancing herself from Donald in light of his "racist comments" and "despicable views."
"Our family is devastated by the racist comments made by my estranged husband. My children and I do not share these despicable views or prejudices. We will not let one man's small mindedness poison the spirit of the fans and accomplishments of the team in the city we love. We are doing everything in our power to stand by and support our Clippers team," she said.
When approached by ESPN at the Clippers-Warriors game on Sunday, Shelly declined to interview on camera, but told Lisa Salters she does "not condone those statements that you heard" and added "I am not a racist ... the team is the most important thing to my family."
She sat in the same courtside seat she and Donald sat in Friday night, wearing all-black.
Donald's girlfriend V. Stiviano, however is denying that she leaked the conversation to the media.
In a statement released Sunday, Stiviano's lawyer, Mac Nehoray claimed that the "recording of Mr. Donald T. Sterling and Ms Stiviano ... is in fact legitimate."
