After seeking damages from Los Angeles County over photos released regarding the helicopter crash site, Vanessa Bryant has finally settled her remaining claims of nearly $30 million. Last summer, Bryant, who lost both her husband Kobe and daughter Gianna to the tragic 2020 crash, sued the county after its sheriff and fire departments shared photos corresponding to the aftermath of the accident. As reported by ESPN, her lawsuit read, “[Mrs. Bryant] lives in fear that she or her children will one day confront horrific images of their loved ones online.”
When the photos initially leaked, the businesswoman and model expressed her distress. “I felt like I wanted to run down the block and scream. I can’t escape my body,” she described in court. Bryant recounted having trust in the authorities and added “I don’t ever want to see my babies in that way. Nobody should ever have to see their family in that way.” Bryant fought alongside co-plaintiff Chris Chester, who also lost his wife and daughter to the crash. Chester settled his lawsuit last year, which resulted in millions of dollars. Also in 2022, both plaintiffs won $15 million in federal court, which Bryant pledged to donate to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
According to USA Today, both plaintiffs were able to fight in court as the federal case did not involve California state law claims. Bryant’s attorney Luis Li noted how he hoped the win would prevent similar mishappenings to occur in the future. In a statement, he further reflected on their victory: “Today marks the successful culmination of Mrs. Bryant’s courageous battle to hold accountable those who engaged in this grotesque conduct. She fought for her husband, her daughter, and all those in the community whose deceased family were treated with similar disrespect. We hope her victory at trial and this settlement will put an end to this practice.”
Although the settlement is still awaiting the court’s approval, Bryant is finally done with pursuing lawsuits on the matter. The former NBA star’s legacy lives on, as he still continues to receive tributes from fans and previous teammates.
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