Vanessa Bryant Compensated $28.85 Million for Leaked Kobe Crash Images
Vanessa Bryant has received $28.85 million in compensation from Los Angeles County over the leaked images from the unfortunate helicopter crash in 2020.
The fatal crash took the lives of their daughter Gianna, her husband, Kobe Bryant, and seven others.
In January 2020, the world was in shock about the tragic helicopter crash that took the lives of nine people, including basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
As if the grief of losing a loved one was not enough, Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife, had to endure the pain of seeing unauthorized photos of the crash site shared online.
JUST IN: Vanessa Bryant awarded $29 million settlement in Lawsuit against LA County over helicopter crash photos. pic.twitter.com/soKuq7yNR6
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) March 1, 2023
Between Vanessa Bryant and the LA County
In September 2020, reports said that Vanessa Bryant had sued the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for leaking the photos and violating her privacy.
The case has finally been settled, with Vanessa Bryant being compensated $28.85 million for the distress caused.
The settlement also includes the $ 15 million a jury awarded Vanessa in August after the jury found that the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department shared photos from the deadly helicopter crash site.
Mira Hashmall, partner at Miller Barondess law firm and lead counsel for LA County in the case, called the settlement “fair and reasonable.”
Vanessa Bryant reaches nearly $29 million settlement with Los Angeles County in lawsuit over Kobe Bryant crash photos. https://t.co/hM7laZCVP8
— CNN (@CNN) March 1, 2023
She told People, “This settlement now concludes all County-related litigation related to the tragic January 2020 helicopter crash. We hope Ms. Bryant and her children heal from their loss.”
In a public statement, Vanessa’s lawyer Luis Li said, “Today marks the culmination of Mrs. Bryant’s courageous battle to hold those who engaged in this grotesque conduct accountable.
Privacy Intrusion
“She fought for her husband, daughter, and those in the community whose deceased family faced the same disrespect. We honestly hope her victory at trial and this settlement will end this practice.”
The leak of the photos was a clear breach of Vanessa Bryant’s privacy and caused her immense pain and suffering.
Breaking News: Los Angeles County agreed to pay Vanessa Bryant and her daughters nearly $30 million to settle a lawsuit and potential claims over the sharing of graphic photos of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe and Gianna Bryant in January 2020. https://t.co/LaJrmeo1Zq
— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 1, 2023
The lawsuit alleged that the deputies who took the images were not even involved in the investigation, and they shared them with others, including members of the public.
This violated Vanessa Bryant’s right to privacy. It also showed disregard for the situation’s sensitivity. Also, disregarding the impact it would have on the families of those involved.
She laid a formal complaint. “The gratuitous images soon became discussed within the department. As deputies showed them to colleagues in settings that had nothing to do with the investigations.”
“One deputy even used the victims’ photos to impress a woman at a bar. Even boasting about how he had been at the crash site.”
Privacy Lawsuit
The lawsuit asserted that the “outrageous actions” by the Sheriff’s Department “caused Mrs. Bryant severe and emotional distress” in the moments following the disaster.
Los Angeles County agreed to pay Vanessa Bryant and three of her daughters nearly $30 million to settle a lawsuit and potential claims over the sharing of graphic photos of the January 2020 helicopter crash, per @nytimes pic.twitter.com/2ox4K9yCXh
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) March 1, 2023
Two other families concurrently agreed with the county over the photos for $1.25 million each.
The victim’s families also made settlements with the helicopter company over the crash, but the terms remain undisclosed.
In conclusion, the settlement of $28.85 million awarded to Vanessa Bryant for the unauthorized sharing of photos of the Kobe Bryant crash site is a significant victory for privacy rights.
The case serves as a warning to others who may consider sharing sensitive and private information without authorization.
The case also highlights the importance of protecting privacy in a world where information can be easily shared and distributed.
We must remain vigilant in protecting our personal information and respecting our privacy rights.
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