Vanessa's attorney confirms the 40-year-old philanthropist plans to donate the $16 million she won in a privacy lawsuit against L.A. County to the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation.
- Aug 26, 2022
AceShowbiz - Vanessa Bryant isn't making herself richer with the lawsuit against Los Angeles County. Having got the justice she sought for her late husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant a.k.a. Gigi, the mother of four plans to donate the $16 million settlement from L.A. County to a foundation named in her husband's and daughter's memory.
Vanessa's attorney confirmed her donation plans to Los Angeles Times on Thursday, August 25, one day following the verdict in the case. Luis Li said his client will donate the proceeds from the $16 court payout to the Mamba & Mambacita Foundation as a way to "shine a light on Kobe and Gigi's legacy."
"From the beginning, Vanessa Bryant has sought only accountability, but our legal system does not permit her to force better policies, more training or officer discipline," the attorney said in a statement to the outlet. "Those measures are the responsibility of the sheriff's and fire departments -- responsibilities that Mrs. Bryant's efforts have exposed as woefully deficient, even giving amnesty to the wrongdoers."
He added that "Mrs. Bryant was courageous and never faltered, even when the County attempted to force her to submit to an involuntary psychiatric examination. She is deeply grateful to Ralph Mendez and Luella Weireter, the good Samaritans who brought to light the decades old practice of taking and sharing photos of accident and crime victims for no legitimate purpose."
The lawyer said Vanessa hopes this case will help bring an end to this "abhorrent and callous behavior."
Vanessa was awarded $16 million by a jury on Wednesday, August 24 following a two-week trial. The jury of ten found that Los Angeles authorities, who were on the scene of the deadly helicopter crash, unlawfully took photos of the remains and site.
She was joined in the civil suit by Chris Chester, who lost his wife Sarah and daughter Payton in the accident. Chris was awarded $15 million. While Chris' attorney proposed the jury should award him $32.5 million, Vanessa's team did not suggest a dollar amount during their closing.
Vanessa has since been praised for her decision. "Her blessings will be doubled!!!" one person reacted to the news. Another raved, "She is dope I know kobe & Gigi proud of her." A third gushed, "It's was definitely the principle for her!"
Another agreed as saying, "It was never about the money for the Bryant's, she wanted accountability and I'm glad she got it. The best lesson is a paid lesson." A fifth fan commented, "much love to her she's super strong," while another chimed in, "I Knew She Would It Wasnt About The Money Mama Already Rich."
