Over three years after Basketball player Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash, his wife Vanessa Bryant has finally settled with LA County for over $28 million over misuse of photos from the helicopter crash. Here are the details.
Vanessa Receives Millions In Settlement
On February 28, 2023, Vanessa won a settlement of over $28 million with Los Angeles County over the misuse of pictures from the helicopter accident that killed her husband.
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Vanessa Previously Received $15 Million
A jury had awarded the businesswoman $15 million for her federal claims in August 2022, but the recent settlement included that figure and state claims of invasion of privacy.
Vanessa Includes Her Daughters In The Lawsuit
According to reports, Vanessa also amended her initial lawsuit to include her oldest and two youngest daughters, Natalia, Capri, and Bianka.
Vanessa’s Lawyer Releases A Statement
Following the settlement, Vanessa’s lawyer Luis Li released a statement, noting that it marked the successful culmination of the model’s battle to hold those involved in the “grotesque” conduct accountable.
Luis Says Vanessa Fought Hard
According to Luis, Vanessa fought hard for her husband, daughter, and everyone in the community, whose dead families were treated with the same disrespect.
Luis Hopes That Such Practices Will End
The lawyer concluded his statement by sharing that they hoped the 40-year-old’s victory at trial and the settlement would end such practices.
Vanessa Will Donate Proceeds From The Lawsuit
Before the victory, Luis told the public that the mom of four would donate proceeds from the lawsuit to Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Inside Vanessa’s Reasoning
The foundation honors Kobe and Gianna, and Vanessa previously noted that she wanted the money to shine a light on Kobe and their daughter’s legacy.
When Did Kobe And Gianna Die?
Kobe and Gianna were in a helicopter with seven other people on January 26, 2020, when it crashed in foggy conditions outside Los Angeles, claiming the lives of everyone on board.
Where Was Kobe Flying To?
When the accident happened, the Los Angeles Lakers star was on his way to coach his teen daughter’s basketball team at his Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California.
What Caused The Crash?
After inspecting the wreckage and flight records, it was disclosed that the pilot, Ara Zobayan, became disoriented in the clouds and crashed into a hill near Calabasas.
Alex Villanueva Offers Vanessa Help
At the time, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva asked the newly widowed Vanessa if he could do anything for her.
Vanessa Reveals What She Wants
Vanessa would later reveal that she pleaded with the sheriff not to allow photographs of her deceased husband and daughter to be taken.
Alex Gives Vanessa Assurance
Vanessa further explained that Alex assured her he would prevent such from happening, but she wasn’t satisfied. The businesswoman immediately asked Alex to get on the phone and secure the area.
Kobe And Gianna’s Pictures Are Shared
However, Vanessa learned that some employees of the Los Angeles fire and sheriff’s departments had shared graphic photos of human remains from the crash.
Who Shared The Pictures?
According to reports, the snapshots were shared primarily between the Los Angeles County sheriffs and fire department employees.
Vanessa Sues LA County
Eight months later, the businesswoman sued the county for negligence and invasion of privacy. Vanessa won at trial, and the jury awarded her a multi-million dollar lawsuit.
LA County’s Lead Trial Lawyer Shares Her Thoughts
After the win, LA County’s lead trial lawyer Mira Hashmall said the settlement concluded all County-related litigation related to the tragic incident.
Another Settlement Beneficiary
The jury also awarded $15 million to Chris Chester, who joined the suit because his wife and daughter were also killed in the crash. The county agreed to pay the Chester family an additional nearly $5 million to resolve any future claims.
