Kobe Bryant widow awarded $15 million in trial over crash site photos | LiveNOW from FOX
A federal jury found that Los Angeles County must pay Kobe Bryant’s widow $16 million for emotional distress caused by deputies and firefighters sharing photos of the bodies of the NBA star and his daughter taken at the site of the 2020 helicopter crash that killed them. The nine jurors who returned the unanimous verdict agreed with Vanessa Bryant and her attorneys that the photos of the remains of Kobe Bryant and their 13-year-old daughter Gianna invaded her privacy and brought her emotional distress. The jury deliberated for 4 1/2 hours before reaching the verdict. Vanessa Bryant cried quietly as it was read. An attorney for the county declined comment on the verdict outside the courtroom. The pictures were shared mostly between employees of the LA County sheriff’s and fire departments including by some who were playing video games and attending an awards banquet. They were also seen by some of their spouses and in one case by a bartender at a bar where a deputy was drinking. Vanessa Bryant tearfully testified during the 11-day trial that news of the photos compounded her still-raw grief a month after losing her husband and daughter, and that she still has panic attacks at the thought that they might still be out there. “I live in fear every day of being on social media and these popping up,” she testified. “I live in fear of my daughters being on social media and these popping up.” Her co-plaintiff Chris Chester, whose wife and daughter were also among the nine people killed in the crash, was awarded $15 million. The jury returned its verdict on Kobe Bryant Day, which is celebrated on Aug. 24 because it uses both of his jersey numbers — 8 and 24 — and is the day after his birthday. Tuesday would have been Kobe’s 44th birthday.
A federal jury found that Los Angeles County must pay Kobe Bryant’s widow $16 million for emotional distress caused by deputies and firefighters sharing photos of the bodies of the NBA star and his daughter taken at the site of the 2020 helicopter crash that killed them. The nine jurors who returned the unanimous verdict agreed with Vanessa Bryant and her attorneys that the photos of the remains of Kobe Bryant and their 13-year-old daughter Gianna invaded her privacy and brought her emotional distress. The jury deliberated for 4 1/2 hours before reaching the verdict. Vanessa Bryant cried quietly as it was read. An attorney for the county declined comment on the verdict outside the courtroom. The pictures were shared mostly between employees of the LA County sheriff’s and fire departments including by some who were playing video games and attending an awards banquet. They were also seen by some of their spouses and in one case by a bartender at a bar where a deputy was drinking. Vanessa Bryant tearfully testified during the 11-day trial that news of the photos compounded her still-raw grief a month after losing her husband and daughter, and that she still has panic attacks at the thought that they might still be out there. “I live in fear every day of being on social media and these popping up,” she testified. “I live in fear of my daughters being on social media and these popping up.” Her co-plaintiff Chris Chester, whose wife and daughter were also among the nine people killed in the crash, was awarded $15 million. The jury returned its verdict on Kobe Bryant Day, which is celebrated on Aug. 24 because it uses both of his jersey numbers — 8 and 24 — and is the day after his birthday. Tuesday would have been Kobe’s 44th birthday.
Jimmy Kimmel breaks down in tears at opening of Kobe, Gianna Bryant memorial
Kimmel remarked on Bryant?s impact, not just as a sports superstar, but as an artist.
Kimmel remarked on Bryant?s impact, not just as a sports superstar, but as an artist.
Shaquille O?Neal shares emotional memories of Kobe Bryant
O?Neal reminisced on the glory days of Lakers basketball that would later cement both he and Bryant as NBA legends.
O?Neal reminisced on the glory days of Lakers basketball that would later cement both he and Bryant as NBA legends.
Michael Jordan tearfully pays tribute to Kobe
Calling him a dear friend and ?like a little brother,? Jordan shared memories with the thousands in attendance of how Bryant looked up to him.
Calling him a dear friend and ?like a little brother,? Jordan shared memories with the thousands in attendance of how Bryant looked up to him.
Beyonce opens Kobe Memorial with emotional performance
the Grammy Award-winning artist took a moment to reflect on the late NBA champion, saying, ?And this was one of his favorite songs."
the Grammy Award-winning artist took a moment to reflect on the late NBA champion, saying, ?And this was one of his favorite songs."
Kobe and Gianna: Fans receive special memorabilia
Fans who attended the memorial service for Kobe and Gianna Bryant received a T-shirt, special pin and program featuring dozens of photos of the pair and their family.
Fans who attended the memorial service for Kobe and Gianna Bryant received a T-shirt, special pin and program featuring dozens of photos of the pair and their family.
Kobe and Gianna shared passion for basketball
The pair were often seen together at games and he was known to gush about her tenacity as a basketball player in interviews and on social media.
The pair were often seen together at games and he was known to gush about her tenacity as a basketball player in interviews and on social media.
Massive mural honors Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna in Philippines
A massive mural honoring Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna covers the floor of an outdoor basketball court in the Philippines after their tragic deaths.
A massive mural honoring Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna covers the floor of an outdoor basketball court in the Philippines after their tragic deaths.
Kobe Bryant left his mark on women's sports
Kobe Bryant was a legend on and off the court - especially as he focused more on pushing for equality and opportunity in women's sports.
Kobe Bryant was a legend on and off the court - especially as he focused more on pushing for equality and opportunity in women's sports.
Pilot of Bryant helicopter tried to avoid heavy fog
Authorities say the veteran pilot of a helicopter that crashed, killing Kobe Bryant and eight others, tried to avoid fog so heavy it grounded police choppers.
Authorities say the veteran pilot of a helicopter that crashed, killing Kobe Bryant and eight others, tried to avoid fog so heavy it grounded police choppers.
UConn women's basketball team honors Gianna Bryant during game
Kobe Bryant previously said his daughter was "hell bent" on playing for UConn and one day for the WNBA.
Kobe Bryant previously said his daughter was "hell bent" on playing for UConn and one day for the WNBA.
Kobe Bryant to be inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame: chairman
The chairman of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame said Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash outside of Los Angeles, will be inducted into the 2020 class.
The chairman of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame said Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash outside of Los Angeles, will be inducted into the 2020 class.
Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: What we know about the victims
Nine people were killed when a helicopter crashed Jan. 26 outside of Los Angeles, including NBA star Kobe Bryant and his teenage daughter. Here?s what we know about all of the victims.
Nine people were killed when a helicopter crashed Jan. 26 outside of Los Angeles, including NBA star Kobe Bryant and his teenage daughter. Here?s what we know about all of the victims.
Fans pay tribute to Kobe Bryant at Staples Center
Crowds gathered outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday to pay tribute to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Crowds gathered outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday to pay tribute to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant's helicopter crashed in foggy conditions that grounded others
The fog was considered dangerous enough that the Los Angeles Police Department and the county sheriff's department grounded their choppers.
The fog was considered dangerous enough that the Los Angeles Police Department and the county sheriff's department grounded their choppers.