The two parties responsible for the whirlwind of racial outrage are finally speaking about the abhorrent audio tapes that have rocked the sports world. Barbara Walters showed she’s not retired just quite yet by snagging the highly coveted first interview with V. Stiviano, Donald Sterling’s “close friend” who released the racially insensitive tapes. Stiviano told Barbara Walters on ABC’s 20/20:
“There’s been a number of occasions where Mr. Sterling and I had conversations just like this one. This was one of very many. Part of what the world heard was only 15 minutes. There’s a number of other hours that the world doesn’t know.”
In the released tapes Sterling was upset with Stiviano for “bringing black people to his games,” but the mistress expounded on who he didn’t want her associating with, “Not just black people, but people ‘that didn’t give me a good look,’ like ‘gangsters,’ ‘thugs,’ ‘bad women.'”
Other highlights from the interview:
Is Sterling a racist:
“I think Mr. Sterling is from a different generation than I am. 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.”
What is Donald Sterling feeling right now:
“I think he’s highly more traumatized and hurt by the things that he said himself. I think he can’t even believe or understand sometimes the thing he says, and I think he’s hurt by it. He’s hurting right now.”
Is she in love with Sterling:
“No, I’m not in love him. I love him ‘like a father figure.'”
Is your relationship scandalous:
“Mr. Sterling is being tested right now by a higher power or being and I’m forced to come to his rescue because he can’t rescue himself.”
How does Sterling pay you:
“He first started paying me as an employee and then he started paying me off the books.”
Her relationship with Sterling:
“I’m Mr. Sterling’s right-hand arm, man. I’m Mr. Sterling’s everything. I’m his confidante, his best friend, his silly rabbit. I’m Mr. Sterling’s personal assistant, I’m his right hand. I’m his wingman. What isn’t there to understand?”
Will Sterling apologize:
“Only God knows.”
With a wingman like this, who needs enemies? It wasn’t only everyone’s favorite welding mask-wearing mistress making headlines on Friday because Donald Sterling has made his first public statements about his scandal that lead to a $2.5 million fine and lifetime ban from the NBA. The embroiled Clippers owner told DuJour magazine, a Los Angeles lifestyle publication, about Stiviano:
“I wish I had just paid her off.”
I guess Sterling is the silly rabbit now.