A scathing report last week from The Los Angeles Times found that law enforcement officials leaked graphic photos of Kobe Bryant’s helicopter crash, and now Vanessa Bryant has reacted.
What’s going on?
- The Los Angeles Times reported that graphic photos from Kobe Bryant’s helicopter crash were leaked from the investigation.
- Two public safety sources told The Los Angeles Times they had seen the photos in an environment unrelated to the investigation, which I wrote about for the Deseret News.
- The Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate the matter.
How did Vanessa Bryant react?
- Vanessa Bryant shared a full statement on the matter on Instagram:
- Read the full statement below:
“Our client, Vanessa Bryant, is absolutely devastated by allegations that deputies from the Lost Hills Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department publicly disseminated photos from the helicopter crash site.
“Mrs. Bryant personally went to the sheriff’s office on Jan. 26 and requested that the area be designated a no-fly zone and protected from photographers. This was of critical importance to her as she desired to protect the dignity of all the victims, and their families. At that time, Sheriff Alex Villanueva assured us all measures would be put in place to protect the families’ privacy, and it is our understanding that he has worked hard to honor those requests.
“First responders should be trustworthy. It is inexcusable and deplorable that some deputies from the Lost Hills Sheriff’s substation, other surrounding substations and LACOFD would allegedly breach their duty. This is an unspeakable violation of human decency, respect and of the privacy rights of the victims and their families. We are demanding that those responsible for these alleged actions face the harshest possible discipline, and that their identities be brought to light, to ensure that the photos are not further disseminated. We are requesting an internal affairs investigation of these alleged incidents.
“Mrs. Bryant is grateful to the individual who filed an online complaint exposing these acts of injustice, and for the choice to protect human dignity.”
What else from Vanessa Bryant?
- Vanessa Bryant’s lawyer, Gary C. Robb, released a statement about Vanessa Bryant, saying went to the sheriff’s office on Jan. 26, the day of the horrific crash, according to The New York Times.
- Robb said Vanessa Bryant “requested that the area be designated a no fly-zone and protected from photographers.”
- Robb said: This was of critical importance to her as she desired to protect the dignity of all the victims, and their families.”
- Robb said: “At that time. Sheriff Alex Villanueva assured us all measures would be put in place to protect the families’ privacy, and it is our understanding that he has worked hard to honor those requests.”
- Robb said the leaked photos are “an unspeakable violation of human decency, respect and of the privacy rights of the victims and their families.”