Follow the journey of Donald and Shelly Sterling as they rise from poverty to become landlords. Learn about their controversial real estate empire and discriminatory practices. Dive into legal and personal controversies, racism in the NBA, and complex dynamics during the Clippers era.
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Quick takeaways
The Sterlings masked their Jewish heritage to avoid housing discrimination and prioritized profit over tenant welfare.
Donald Sterling's controversial actions included racial discrimination, objectification of women, and dodging accountability in the shadow of sports success.
Deep dives
Donald Sterling's Identity Transformation
In 1960, Donald and Shelly Tokowitz sought to shed their ethnic last name for a glamorous identity in their pursuit of success, eventually settling on the name Sterling. Sterling symbolized a new beginning and aspiration for the couple amidst the vibrant dreams of Los Angeles dreamers.
Boyle Heights Influence and Discrimination Tactics
Raised in impoverished Boyle Heights, Donald Sterling's upbringing imprinted a drive for wealth and status. To circumvent housing discrimination, the Stirlings changed their name, concealed their Jewish heritage, and escalated rents, significantly impacting vulnerable tenants.
Donald's Real Estate Empire and Ruthless Expansion
Transitioning from a humble background, Donald Sterling established a real estate empire marked by high-rise properties in Beverly Hills, acquiring fame as the 'Sterling Corridor.' His business practices, such as tripling rents and displacing tenants without remorse, underscored his controversial reputation as a slumlord.
Legal Issues, Housing Discrimination and NBA Influence
Facing legal battles for housing discrimination and sexual misconduct, Donald Sterling's controversial actions extended to racial discrimination in his properties and objectification of women. Despite NBA's awareness of his deeds, the focus shifted to sports success, undermining critical scrutiny of Sterling's unethical conduct.
Donald and Shelly Sterling escaped poverty, reinvented themselves, and became the biggest residential landlords in LA. But in housing and basketball, they never had to face the consequences of their actions.
This series was originally aired in 2019. We’re re-releasing it in anticipation of the FX and Hulu series, Clipped, a six-part sports drama based on The Sterling Affairs.