Vanessa Bryant Testifies in Lawsuit Against L.A. County Over Kobe Bryant Crash Photos
Vanessa Bryant, the widow of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, delivered emotional testimony during her lawsuit against Los Angeles County, accusing sheriff’s deputies and firefighters of invading her family’s privacy. The case centers on unauthorized photos taken and shared of the helicopter crash site that killed Kobe, their daughter Gianna, and seven others in January 2020.
During her testimony, Vanessa described the devastating impact the actions had on her life, recounting her panic attacks, sleepless nights, and the constant fear that the photos could one day surface online. Fighting back tears, she said, “I trusted them to protect my family’s dignity, not violate it.” She revealed how learning about the existence of the crash site photos felt like a fresh wound, reopening the immense grief she was already enduring.
The lawsuit, filed in 2021, accused Los Angeles County of negligence and emotional distress. Vanessa argued that the unauthorized photos shared among first responders and others were not only a breach of privacy but a deep disrespect to the victims.
In August 2022, a federal jury sided with Vanessa Bryant, awarding her $16 million in damages. Jurors unanimously agreed that the county’s employees had caused emotional harm through their misconduct. By February 2023, Los Angeles County reached a larger settlement of $28.85 million with Vanessa and her daughters, resolving all pending claims.
Vanessa has announced her intention to donate the proceeds from the lawsuit to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, an organization created in honor of Kobe and Gianna to support young athletes.
Her courageous stand in court highlighted not just her personal suffering but also a broader message about privacy, dignity, and accountability.
