Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Vanessa Bryant

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Vanessa Bryant.

Vanessa Bryant is an American businesswoman, philanthropist, and the widow of basketball legend Kobe Bryant. She co-founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation in 2007, providing scholarships to minority college students. After the tragic loss of her husband and daughter Gianna in a 2020 helicopter crash, Bryant now leads the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, dedicated to supporting young athletes. She also pursued legal action against Los Angeles County following the crash, which was settled in 2023.

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

2003: Kobe Bryant's Adultery Admission

In 2003, Kobe Bryant admitted to cheating on Vanessa with multiple women during his sexual assault case.

2004: Karl Malone Controversy

In 2004, Vanessa Bryant accused Lakers player Karl Malone of acting inappropriately towards her, resulting in media attention and a Saturday Night Live parody.

2007: Housekeeper Employment Start

In 2007, Maria Jimenez began working as a housekeeper at the Bryants' Newport Coast home.

2008: Housekeeper Employment End

In 2008, Maria Jimenez worked as a housekeeper at the Bryants' Newport Coast home.

2009: Housekeeper Lawsuit

In 2009, Vanessa Bryant was sued by her housekeeper, Maria Jimenez, for alleged harassment and mistreatment.

2010: Protest Against Arizona SB 1070 Immigration Law

In 2010, Vanessa Bryant wore a t-shirt with the phrase "Do I Look Illegal?" at a Lakers game to protest the Arizona SB 1070 Immigration Law.

2010: Settlement of Housekeeper Lawsuit

In 2010, the Bryants settled the lawsuit filed by their former housekeeper, Maria Jimenez, for an undisclosed amount.

December 2011: Filing for Divorce

In December 2011, Vanessa Bryant filed for divorce from Kobe Bryant, citing irreconcilable differences.

2012: Gold Digger Backlash

In 2012, Vanessa Bryant faced public backlash and was labeled a gold digger after a New York Magazine interview where she discussed the importance of winning championships.

December 2020: Lawsuit by Mother

In December 2020, Vanessa Bryant was sued by her mother, Sofia Urbieta Laine, for fraud, claiming unpaid work as a personal assistant and nanny.

2021: Settlement of Lawsuit by Mother

In 2021, Vanessa Bryant settled the lawsuit filed against her by her mother, Sofia Urbieta Laine.

August 2022: Verdict in Lawsuit Against Los Angeles County

In August 2022, Vanessa Bryant was awarded $16 million in damages in her lawsuit against Los Angeles County regarding the sharing of photos from the 2020 helicopter crash site.

February 2023: Settlement with Los Angeles County

In February 2023, Los Angeles County settled the case with Vanessa Bryant and her daughters for $28.85 million, including the previous award and additional funds for potential claims.

2023: Settlement with Los Angeles County

In 2023, Vanessa Bryant reached a settlement in her lawsuit against Los Angeles County following the unauthorized sharing of photos from the 2020 helicopter crash site.