Vanessa Bryant's Harrowing Testimony Reveals Gut-Punch Privacy Violation Of Gigi's Remains
Over the last week, Vanessa Bryant's invasion of privacy trial against Los Angeles County has been in full effect. Since the first hearing, which was held on August 10, various witnesses have delivered shocking testimonies regarding the sheriff and fire department's handling of photos from Kobe Bryant's tragic helicopter crash. On August 19, Vanessa took the stand and gave a heartbreaking testimony about the emotional damage she endured over the last two years, revealing she has panic attacks that make her feel as if she's "asphyxiating."
According to a Nicki Swift courtroom reporter, Vanessa's lawyer Luis Li has worked hard to build a case the aforementioned photos were not taken for business purposes. Additionally, a forensic expert testified how the sheriff's department added insult to injury when it asked its deputies to delete the images from their phones — which he argued made tracking of the pictures impossible. Speaking on the subject, Vanessa revealed the sheriff's department didn't notify her about the January 29, 2020 complaint regarding graphic photos being shown at a bar — she ended up learning about it from a Los Angeles Times article on February 27, 2020. She went on to say she "lives in fear every day" over potential leaks. "I can't protect my husband and daughter," she explained through tears.
However, the most devastating moments of Vanessa's testimony revolved around the photos of her daughter Gianna "Gigi" Bryant.
Vanessa Bryant says Gigi's privacy was 'violated'
On August 19, Vanessa Bryant delivered a gut-wrenching testimony detailing the emotional trauma she inherited after the mishandling of Kobe Bryant's helicopter crash photos. However, one of the most heartbreaking moments of the hearing was when Vanessa accused the department of "violating" Gianna "Gigi" Bryant's privacy. According to an on-site Nicki Swift reporter, Vanessa revealed the 13-year-old's body was removed on "Day 2" of the crash — with Kobe's being taken on "Day 1".
In between sobs, Vanessa said due to the location of Gigi's body, she believes individuals had to "go out of their way" to "violate" her privacy, potentially moving her remains. As confirmed by Fire Capt. Tony Imbrenda's August 15 testimony, the victims' larger body parts were covered with white sheets, so taking a photograph would require lifting it up. "[They] took advantage of the fact that her daddy couldn't protect her because he was at the morgue," she tearfully told the court.
When asked how she copes with the horrific circumstances, Vanessa revealed she says a "extra special prayer for Kobe and Gigi" every night alongside therapy –- which she said at times can be "completely draining." Although she has found ways to navigate her emotional distress, Vanessa expressed her disbelief that law enforcement didn't have "more compassion and respect" for her family's privacy.