Vanessa Bryant Ordered To Turn In Therapy Records Following Lawsuit Against Crash Pictures

Vanessa Bryant has been instructed by a judge to hand over her therapy documents, following her ongoing lawsuit against Los Angeles County. Byrant and her psychiatrist have until November 29 to comply with the order. All the records dating back to January 2017 must be submitted for evaluation.

The mother of 4 sued the county after it was revealed to her that disturbing images of her husband, Kobe Bryant, and their daughter, Gianna Bryant, were being passed around between deputy workers. The graphic pictures were taken of the victim's body following their tragic helicopter crash. The incident took place on January 26, 2020, and shockingly took the lives of the NBA champion, his daughter, and 7 other individuals. Mrs. Byrant argued that the photos caused her a great deal of emotional distress. Her lawyer, Gary C. Robb, said in a statement, "It is inexcusable and deplorable that some deputies from the Lost Hills Sheriff’s substation, other surrounding substations and LAFD 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." He continued, "We are demanding that those responsible for these alleged actions face the harshest possible discipline."

The widow was shocked when she heard about the alleged images. Especially after she had explicitly asked Sheriff Alex Villanueva to close off the site of the crash, in Calabasas, California, and to secure the area from any photographers. In her deposition, Mrs. Bryant shared her discomfort, "The impact of the helicopter crash was so damaging, I just don't understand how someone can have no regard for life and compassion, and, instead, choose to take that opportunity to photograph lifeless and helpless individuals for their own sick amusement."

The order for the therapy documents comes after the judge ruled against the county's request for a psychiatric examination of Mrs. Bryants mental state. The request for the evaluation proclaimed, "Defendants' position is that, while Plaintiffs have undoubtedly suffered severe distress and trauma from the crash and resulting loss of their loved ones, their distress was not caused by Defendants or any accident site photos that were never publicly disseminated." The records are being called upon to prove Bryant's claims that she had suffered emotional agony, due to the leaked photos. She and her daughters suffered a great deal of loss and pain. Bryant is seeking justice for her late family members, Kobe and Gianna Bryant, as well as the rest of the victims. The trial will take place on February 22, 2022.