Picture Credit: Twitter
After Los Angeles County for deputies and fire fighters shared the gruesome photos of Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, and other victims killed in a 2020 helicopter crash, the jury has awarded $16 millions to Kobe's widow Vanessa Bryant on Wednesday.
Vanessa's co-plaintiff, Chris Chester, whose wife and daughter were also among the nine people killed in the crash was separately awarded $15 million. The jury reached the verdict on August 24, which is celebrated as Kobe Bryant's day and also the day after his birthday. The date also represents Kobe's jersey numbers, 8 and 24.
Apart from the employees of the LA County sheriff’s and fire departments, the pictures were also seen by their spouses. The jurors agreed with Vanessa that the images had invaded her privacy and brought her emotional distress as she testified of having panic attacks at the thought that they might still be out there.
She testified, “I live in fear every day of being on social media and these popping up. I live in fear of my daughters being on social media and these popping up.”
After the verdict, Chester’s lawyer Jerry Jackson said, “We’re grateful for a jury and a judge who gave us a fair trial." While Vanessa Bryant took to her official Instagram handle and posted a photo of herself with her husband and daughter. She captioned, " All for you!” the caption read. "I love you! JUSTICE for Kobe and Gigi!"
/