Donald Trump partially defended L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling amid allegations of racism, claiming he was "set up" by a "girlfriend from hell," POLITICO reported.
"He got set up by a very, very bad girlfriend, let's face it," Trump told "Fox & Friends" on Monday.
Sterling is facing severe criticism after an alleged audio recording of him was released to TMZ, where he made racist comments. However, the entertainment outlet has not disclosed who sent the audio in.
"She's called the girlfriend from hell, but what he said was terrible and despicable and very strong action going to be taken. There's no question about it," Trump said of Sterling's alleged girlfriend, who has been identified V. Stiviano. "She's a terrible human being and he gave horrible answers and disgusting answers."
The business mogul also questioned Sterling's state of mind, wondering how he could be with someone "so obviously looking to do harm to him" and suggesting "he seems close to incompetent."
"I think he could be out of it, frankly, based on his actions," Trump said. "He could be pretty much out of it in terms of his whole mentality."
Following a media storm and intense criticism of Sterling, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league is conducting a full investigation into the audio.
Trump told the Fox hosts he expects "extremely strong action" from Silver and the NBA. He is also the only celebrity to come to the defense of Sterling.
Magic Johnson -- who Sterling allegedly complained about the in recording and asked Stiviano to stop associating with -- released a statement on Twitter.
"LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling's comments about African Americans are a black eye for the NBA.
"I feel sorry for my friends Coach Doc Rivers and Chris Paul that they have to work for a man that feels that way about African Americans.
"I will never go to a Clippers game again as long as Donald Sterling is the owner.
"TMZ reported this morning that Clippers owner Donald Sterling doesn't want me or other African-Americans to come to Clippers games," Johnson said on the social media site.
