The Queen has spoken! Queen Latifah called Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's controversial, allegedly racist remarks "disgusting" in a new interview with Extra on Monday, April 28.
"It's a disgusting situation," the talk show host said. "Terrible state of mind to have, to have come this far in time and be that archaic, it's kind of pathetic, it's sad."
Sterling's alleged remarks surfaced last weekend, after TMZ posted audio of the NBA owner making racist remarks during a conversation with his girlfriend, Vanessa Stiviano. In the audio recording, the 80-year-old allegedly chastises his 31-year-old girlfriend for posting photos of herself with black people—including one pic with basketball great, Magic Johnson—to Instagram. Sterling also allegedly told Stiviano in the recording that she can have sex with whomever she wants, but cannot bring black people to Clippers games.
"I just really hope this galvanizes everyone who is a fan of basketball," Latifah added to Extra, beseeching those who have "skin that's my color to actually take that and motivate them to do something about it."
Sterling's alleged comments have unleashed surmounting backlash from athletes, celebrities, and even, the President of the United States. The business magnate, who has owned the Clippers since 1980 (notably longer than any current NBA owner), experienced his first business hit on Monday from his alleged racist remarks. CarMax, which has sponsored the Clippers for the last nine years, announced that it was cutting its business ties with the team.
"I’m definitely not giving them any of my money," Latifah said in her latest interview, "which is sad because I love the Clippers as a team." She added of Sterling, "He really put his foot in his mouth with this one, bad job."
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he found the recording "disturbing and offensive," and added that the NBA was in the process of investigating the recording. Silver added that he had asked Sterling not to attend the Clippers' upcoming playoffs game against the Warriors.
The team also released a statement in response to Sterling's alleged remarks. "Mr. Sterling is emphatic that what is reflected on that recording is not consistent with, nor does it reflect his views, beliefs or feelings. It is the antithesis of who he is, what he believes and how he has lived his life."
Clippers coach Doc Rivers also shared on Monday that he passed on a call with his team's owner after the recordings surfaced. "I'd just like to reiterate how disappointed I am in our – in the comments attributed to our owner, and I can't tell you how upset I am, our players are."
