Donald Sterling's Wife Says Girlfriend V. Stiviano Duped Him, Claims Rights Over $3.5M Worth Gifts

Donald Sterling, the former Los Angeles Clippers owner, was deceived by his ex-girlfriend V. Stiviano into giving over $3.5 million worth gifts, a lawyer for his wife Shelly Sterling, told a Los Angeles County judge Wednesday. Shelly reportedly claims that Donald did not have the right to spend millions of dollars on Stiviano.

Shelly is attempting to take back the gifts that included a duplex near Beverly Hills, Ferrari, jewelry and designer clothes. Attorney Pierce O'Donnell, who represents Shelly, claimed that Stiviano was only interested in Donald's wealth, and that she had hidden the money in several bank accounts.

The trial comes nearly a year after Stiviano's recording of racist comments made by Donald was posted on TMZ in April. The move had prompted the NBA to ban the 80-year-old for life, ignited a string of controversies and eventually resulted in the sale of his team.

"She defrauded him and I feel that she is not entitled to any of these gifts or whatever they call them," Shelly later testified, according to the Associated Press. "She's been very, very nasty to me, and she's been mean to my husband."

O’Donnell also reportedly told the court that Donald used community property, which he legally shares with his wife, to pay for the gifts.

“He’s an older, vulnerable man, susceptible to the wiles of a younger woman, like the defendant,” O'Donnell reportedly said.

Attorney Mac Nehoray, who represents Stiviano, claimed that the gifts were given to his client during a period when the Sterlings were separated, and that they did not include community property.

“They cannot show what money Mr. Sterling gave Ms. Stiviano,” Nehoray said, according to the Los Angeles Times. “They want to show that [if] Stiviano has this money but cannot explain it -- then it must be [from] Sterling.”

However, Shelly reportedly denied during the trial that she and her husband had ever separated. The trial is expected to continue until Friday.