Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has reacted to the scandal over Kobe Bryant’s leaked crash photos, and he’s not happy about it.
What happened:
- Eight deputies working in Los Angeles possessed graphic photos of the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash site, according to multiple reports from the Los Angeles Times.
- The deputies deleted the images after Villanueva told them to do so. The deputies reportedly struck a deal to delete the photos so they wouldn’t face punishment for taking them.
- Villanueva said Tuesday: “I am devastated and heartbroken by the conduct of those first responders who had the responsibility to protect the dignity and privacy of the victims who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in #Calabasas. #SheriffV.”
How Vanessa Bryant reacted:
- The photos were snapped after the Jan. 26 crash, which killed the Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others.
- Vanessa Bryant, according to reports, visited the Los Angeles Police Department immediately after the crash, asking authorities to institute a no-fly zone in the area to keep photographers from snapping photos of the scene.
- Vanessa Bryant shared a statement from her lawyer on Instagram where she admitted how hurtful the scandal was for her and the Bryant family.
“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.”