LOS ANGELES >> Los Angeles billionaire Donald Sterling has sued celebrity website TMZ and an ex-girlfriend over a recording of off-color remarks that cost him ownership of the Clippers.

Sterling sued TMZ and V. Stiviano on Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming they violated his privacy by illegally recording a private conversation and broadcasting it.

The suit is the latest salvo in a litigious soap opera after Sterling was forced from the NBA and the basketball team was sold for $2 billion.

Stiviano has said Sterling consented to the recordings she made while he lavished her with luxury gifts and a house during a sexless relationship.

Sterling told Stiviano not to associate with black people in recordings obtained by TMZ.

A lawyer who represented Stiviano in another case says the lawsuit is ridiculous. TMZ didn’t immediately reply to messages for comment.