Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, found dead in apparent suicide, set to pay $300k life insurance to his Russian ex-wife, 'he hated.'

Viktoria Chapman-Avila-Cornelius, Russian model and “Hated” Russian ex-wife of tragic Soul Train creator Don Cornelius set to get $300k life insurance after he shoots himself dead.

Don Cornelius, the smooth-voiced television host who brought black music and culture into America’s living rooms when he created the dance show “Soul Train,” was found dead at his home in Los Angeles early Wednesday in what appeared to be a suicide, the authorities said. He was 75.
 

Mr. Cornelius arrest accuser and his second wife, Viktoria Chapman Cornelius, a Russian model had their “brutal” divorce finalized in 2009 amid allegations of domestic abuse on both sides.

Don's breakup with Viktoria Chapman Cornelius was brutal. He was convicted of domestic abuse and, according to him, she pepper sprayed him multiple times.

 

Don Cornelius died with 2 life insurance policies worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the ex-wife he hated will get all the money.


Don's breakup with Viktoria Chapman Cornelius was brutal. He was convicted of domestic abuse and, according to him, she pepper sprayed him multiple times.




In his later years, Cornelius had a troubled marriage. In 2008, Cornelius was arrested at his Mulholland Drive home on suspicion of domestic violence.
He appeared in court on November 14, 2008 charged with spousal abuse and pleaded not guilty before changing his plea to no contest the next year and was placed on 36 months probation.
Cornelius' second wife, Viktoria Chapman-Cornelius, a Russian model married Cornelius in 2001 and filed for divorce in 2007.
She had filed two restraining orders against her former husband while Cornelius claimed she pepper-sprayed him many times, according to TMZ.

During the divorce in 2009, Don said in legal docs obtained by TMZ, 'I am 72 years old. I have significant health issues. I want to finalize this divorce before I die."


The divorce was indeed finalized later that year, but there's a provision in the settlement agreement that says Don must make Viktoria the beneficiary of both of his life insurance policies -- totaling around $300,000 in benefits.

Under California law, if a policyholder commits suicide within 2 years of the time the policy is issued, the company can deny payment. But Don had the policy for more than 2 years, so Viktoria -- the woman he despised -- will get the loot.


Victoria Avila-Cornelius, also known as Viktoria Chapman-Cornelius is Russian model and former Miss Ukraine.

'Soul Train was the first and only television show to showcase and put a spotlight on black artists at a time when there were few African-Americans on television at all, and that was the great vision of Don.'  

Clarence Avant, former chairman of
Motown Records

Don Cornelius was credited with helping break down racial barriers and broaden the reach of black culture with funky music, groovy dance steps and the cutting-edge style of the show.
Over the years, artists including Michael Jackson, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Marvin Gaye and Barry White appeared on the series.
The series was created by Don Cornelius, who was both its host and executive producer. It holds the title of the longest, continuously running syndicated program on TV.
Cornelius also created the Soul Train Awards, which would become a key honor for musicians. The series also spawned the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards and the Soul Train Christmas Starfest.

He was known for his catchphrase at the end of every show: '...you can bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!'
Cornelius stepped down as Soul Train host in 1993. The producer, who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, said in 2006 he remained grateful to the musicians who made Soul Train. 

Donald Cortez Cornelius was born on September 27, 1936, in Chicago. He had two sons with his first wife Delores.

Making a mark on history: Don Cornelius (right) with Martin Luther King (centre). The creator of Soul Train was remembered for his contribution to the civil rights movement in the U.S.

Materials for the article were found, collected, selected, analyzed, edited, and published by 

Yefim Toybin on February 2, 2012 @ 21:00

Phoenix, AZ

Main source of info: Internet