Who is V. Stiviano, Donald Sterling’s girlfriend in 2014?
Who is the mysterious V. Stiviano who stirred the NBA world upside down with the leak of Sterling’s recording in 2014?
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Donald Sterling and V. Stiviano (Getty)
With the upcoming six-part miniseries “The Sterling Affairs” by FX, fans of the sport have once more been reminded of one of the most infamous scandals in NBA history. The leak of a recording that exposed former LA Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling’s racist remarks in 2014, had started a chain of events that ultimately saw his ousting from the NBA. And it had all been set into action by V. Stiviano, Donald Sterling’s girlfriend from 2014.
The recording where Sterling had made derogatory remarks towards people of colour, had taken the world by storm. Athletes expressed their concerns and fans were furious.
In the NBA world where there should be no room for racial prejudice, Sterling’s comments set fire to the headlines. And it all started with Donald Sterling’s then mistress, V Stiviano. But who exactly is Stiviano and where is she now?
Related: Where to watch The Sterling Affairs?
Who was Donald Sterling’s girlfriend in 2014?
Born Maria Vanessa Perez, Stiviano grew up in San Antonio, Texas. Later she moved to California and attended East LA high school. Vanessa’s childhood is said to have been tough growing up. It was on September 17, 2010 that she had been granted to change her name to Vanessa Stiviano. And as for the reason, there’s something of a cloud of mystery.
Prior to her name change, Stiviano had been arrested on more than one occasion relating to petty thefts. Once she had been charged with illegal substance possession, but the name of the drug is not mentioned. It could be to erase these records or perhaps not, Stiviano’s official stated reason had something else to say. She insisted that she was dealing with her racial background and hence wanted to change her name.
Since her acquaintance with Sterling, the two have always insisted that they were plain associates and nothing else. But evidently, the romantic connection was not hidden from the world, and Stiviano was often seen beside the former LA Clippers owner.
He had gifted a $2.6 million worth mansion, a Ferrari, two Bentleys and a range rover during their courtship. These, however, were legally sued by his wife Rochelle Sterling. Following the fallout of the tape incident, legal orders were issued in April 2015 that Stiviano returns the properties.
The Sterling Scandal
Back in 2013, Stiviano posted a picture with Magic Johnson on his Instagram which evoked an appalling response from Sterling.
“It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people. You can sleep with (black people). You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want. The little I ask you is not to bring them to my games”, the tape caught him saying.
The tape was aired by TMZ in April 2014, which saw the eventual ousting of Donald Sterling. The billionaire was forced to sell the Los Angeles Clippers and was fined $2.5 million by the League. Ultimately, Sterling was banned from the NBA for life for his disgraceful remarks fostering racial prejudice.
As to whether it was Stiviano’s doing is yet a mystery as she denied having played any part in the act. Nonetheless, the leaked recordings surely had something to do with Sterling’s then-girlfriend, V. Stiviano.
Where does V. Stiviano live?
Following the media craze surrounding the incident, Stiviano has avoided the limelight after the heat of the scandal died out. She has been often seen attending LA Clippers’ games and is said to be living in Los Angeles. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, she moved to California during her school days attending East LA high school.
What does Stiviano do for a living?
Often seen as a model and fashion icon, not much is known of her professional career at large. She allegedly owns an apparel brand and is the founder of the Stiviano Foundation. However, the website of the organisation is no longer available.
What is the estimated net worth of V Stiviano?
Back during their days of courtship, Donald Sterling had gifted a $2.6 million luxury duplex, a Ferrari, two Bentleys and a Range Rover to his former mistress. However, after court orders were issued to return the items, Stiviano is said to have left the mansion in 2015.
Her estimated net worth stands at $2 million as of 2023. Stiviano is often seen travelling across luxurious tourist locations across the world.
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