Victoria Avila Cornelius is a former Russian star and model who became famous after marrying the late Don Cornelius, the writer and host of the iconic track and dance show Soul Train.
She was his second wife and the last woman he was legally married to before his tragic suicide in 2012.
However, their relationship changed as they faced domestic violence, divorce, and criminal battles.
Who is Victoria Avila Cornelius, and what is she doing now? Here are some records about her lifestyle and profession.
Early Life and Career
Victoria Avila Cornelius was born in Russia. She belongs to the Russian ethnicity and has both Russian and American nationality.
Victoria became a model and splendor queen in America and reportedly held the identity of Miss Ukraine at one point.
She is also an actress with the stage name Viktoria Chapman. Viktoria appeared in a few smooth-core movies, such as Club Vampire in 1998 and Women of the Night in 2001.
Don Cornelius’ Marriage to Victoria Avila Cornelius
Victoria met Don Cornelius during the 90s when he had already become a legend inside the song enterprise for growing and hosting Soul Train, a syndicated display featuring African-American artists and dancers.
They tied the knot in a personal rite on December 3, 2001. She changed into his 2nd wife after his first marriage to Delores Harrison.
He had sons, Anthony and Raymond, from his first marriage. Victoria had a daughter. They had no biological kids collectively.
Domestic Violence and Divorce
During Victoria and Don’s marriage, they faced several problems, including the age gap between them, cultural differences, and Don’s health troubles.
Victoria claimed that Don was physically abusive to her, and she filed two restraining orders against him.
In 2008, authorities arrested Don for spousal abuse after she pepper-sprayed him a couple of times.
He pleaded no contest to the charges in 2009 and was sentenced to 36 months of probation, 300 hours of community service, and a home violence remedy software.
He additionally had to stay 100 yards far from her. Victoria filed for divorce in 2007, and the court finalized the divorce in 2009.
During the divorce complaints, Don said, “I am 72. I have significant health issues. I want to finalize this divorce before I die.”
There were reports that he had a stroke and had undergone brain surgery at the time, which caused him a lot of pain.
Where is Victoria Avila Cornelius After Don’s Death?
On February 1, 2012, the LAPD discovered Don Cornelius dead in his Los Angeles home from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was 75 years old.
One of his two sons from his first marriage to Delores called 911, as reported by TMZ.
Don Cornelius left behind a legacy of music, tradition, and fashion, as well as a fortune of $15 million.
He also left behind an arguable will that excluded Victoria from inheriting something from his property besides two insurance guidelines worth $300,000.
According to TMZ, Victoria changed her mind about receiving the money due to the fact Don had the policies for more than two years before his death, and California law does not permit coverage corporations to disclaim fees for suicides after that duration.
She has kept a low profile after Don’s demise and has decided to stay out of the media.
As far as the media knows, Victoria Avila Cornelius hasn’t remarried or dated anyone after her marriage with Don Cornelius.
She is probably living a quiet lifestyle, away from the spotlight.