Chris Samuel
Vanessa Bryant has won her lawsuit against Los Angeles County over deputies sharing photos of a 2020 helicopter crash that killed her husband, Kobe Bryant, and her 13-year-old daughter Gianna. The lawsuit settled for $28.85 million.
Updated By: Chris Samuel (3/1/23 at 2:31 pm)
The Bryant Family Gets Justice
Vanessa Bryant has won a settlement over her lawsuit against Los Angeles County after deputies shared photos of her husband and late basketball legend, Kobe Bryant from the helicopter crash that killed him and their 13-year-old daughter, Gianna in January 2020.
According to a New York Times report, Los Angeles County agreed to pay Vanessa $28.85 million. The settlement includes $15 million a jury awarded to Vanessa Bryant, and additional funds will be used to settle potential claims from her three daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.
The pictures were originally shared between employees of the Los Angeles County sheriffs and fire departments.
In September 2020, Vanessa Bryant originally filed a lawsuit for negligence and invasion of privacy and later won the case. Bryant also released a statement in fear of the photos being exposed to the public.
“I live in fear of my daughters being on social media and these popping up,” Bryant said.
Another recent case the Bryant family has dealt with was Vanessa’s oldest daughter, Natalia, filing a restraining order last November against a man who sent her sexually explicit messages on social media.
Vanessa Bryant Publicly Shames LA County Officers
One of the most disturbing stories to come from the January 2020 death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant was the revelation that police officers on the scene of the fatal helicopter crash took and/or shared gruesome photos of the victims’ remains outside of the investigation. The NBA icon’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, is now calling those officers out.
Kobe Bryant’s Widow Names Officers In Lawsuit
Vanessa Bryant went to Instagram to share the details of a lawsuit she’s filing against Los Angeles County, the sheriff’s department, and L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. The posts included the names of the officers — Joey Cruz, Rafael Mejia, Michael Russell, and Raul Versales — who allegedly took or shared photos from the crash that claimed the lives of Vanessa’s husband Kobe, their 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other victims.
“At the moment the deputies snapped photos of Kobe and Gianna’s remains, they created a harm that cannot be undone, and the Department’s response has only exacerbated that harm.”
Vanessa Describes The Pain Of Losing Kobe + Gigi
The grieving wife and mother opened up to PEOPLE magazine about the unbelievable loss she’s suffered. Vanessa spoke about how her daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri help her cope with the family tragedy. She is featured on the magazine’s “Women Changing The World” cover.
“This pain is unimaginable. You just have to get up and push forward. Lying in bed crying isn’t going to change the fact that my family will never be the same again. But getting out of bed and pushing forward is going to make the day better for my girls and for me. So that’s what I do.”
Vanessa Slams Meek Mill For Kobe Lyrics
Recently, Bryant went to her Instagram page and didn’t hold back on checking Philly rapper Meek Mill. She quoted his leaked lyrics and explained just how much of an impact they’ve had on her.
“Dear @meekmill, I find this line to be extremely insensitive and disrespectful. Period. I am not familiar with any of your music, but I believe you can do better than this. If you are a fan, fine, there’s a better way to show your admiration for my husband. This lacks respect and tact.”
Meek Mill Shows Respect To Kobe Bryant
A few days ago, Meek took to his Instagram with a tribute message to Kobe and daughter Gigi. He showed respect and let it be known he meant no harm with his verse. The controversial line has Meek Mill rapping, “If I ever lack I’m goin’ out with my choppa, it be another Kobe.”
Originally Written By: Amaar Burton (3/18/21 at 6:36 pm)
