Vanessa Bryant, widow of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, has reached a settlement with Los Angeles County for a total of $28.8 million in a lawsuit over the sharing of photographs of the helicopter crash that killed her husband and daughter Gianna, along with seven others in January 2020. The settlement resolves Bryant’s original complaint and subsequent award, as well as any potential future claims from her surviving daughters. The payment includes the $15 million that a jury awarded Bryant in August of 2020, and comes after an emotional trial in which Bryant testified about the fear of the photos of her husband and daughter’s remains being leaked to the public.
The settlement is a victory for Bryant, who fought for her husband, her daughter, and all those in the community whose deceased family members were treated with similar disrespect. Her lawyer, Luis Li, said in a statement that he hoped this victory and settlement would put an end to the practice of sharing graphic images of deceased people.
Settlement Details
The settlement, which amounts to $28.8 million, marks the end of a long and emotional battle for Vanessa Bryant. The award will cover the damages for the invasion of privacy, emotional distress, and other losses. The settlement reflects the recognition of the severity of the issue and the importance of protecting the privacy and dignity of victims of tragedy and their families.
As part of the settlement, the county agreed to pay Vanessa Bryant and her three surviving daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. The agreement settled the lawsuit and any potential future claims related to the sharing of graphic images from the crash. In addition to the $15 million previously awarded by a jury, the settlement includes an additional $13.8 million. This payment reflects the inclusion of Bryant’s surviving daughters as petitioners in the lawsuit, should they choose to pursue claims in the future.
Emotional Testimony and The Impact on the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation
During the trial, Bryant gave emotional testimony about how the possibility of the photos of her husband and daughter’s remains being leaked out publicly tortured her. She expressed fear that the photos would be shared on social media and impact her daughters in the future. In her testimony, Bryant highlighted the need for accountability and respect for the deceased and their families.
Vanessa Bryant’s lawyer, Luis Li, said in a statement that she plans to donate the settlement money to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. The foundation honors Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s legacy by creating positive opportunities for young people through sports. This settlement provides a significant boost to the foundation’s ability to make a difference in the lives of young athletes.
The settlement between Vanessa Bryant and Los Angeles County is a positive step toward holding those who engage in the grotesque conduct of sharing graphic images of deceased people accountable. The settlement also provides a significant boost to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which will continue to create positive opportunities for young people through sports. While it cannot bring back the loved ones lost in the helicopter crash, the settlement is a victory for Vanessa Bryant and her family
Source: TMZ.com
