A federal jury awarded $31 million in damages to Kobe Bryant’s widow and her co-plaintiff after finding the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s and Fire departments liable for infringing on their constitutional rights for taking and sharing gruesome photos of the January 2020 helicopter crash that left nine people dead.
The jury agreed that these photos invaded Bryant’s privacy and caused emotional distress.
Following the verdict, Vanessa took to Instagram to share an emotional message and picture.
“All for you,” Bryant wrote. “I love you! JUSTICE for Kobe and Gigi! #BetOnYourself #Mambaday #Mambamentality.”
Bryant testified that the photos that were taken at the crash site “compounded” her grief. She would have panic attacks at the thought of the photos going public.
“I live in fear every day of being on social media and these popping up,” Bryant testified. “I live in fear of my daughters being on social media and these popping up.”
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The photos included not just the wreckage of the helicopter but close-up images of the mangled bodies of those killed.
Vanessa Bryant was awarded $16 million in damages and Christopher Chester was awarded $15 million.
