Vanessa Bryant emerged victorious in a lawsuit over one of the largest investments made by her late husband, Kobe Bryant. The case not only resulted in a financial win for Vanessa, but it also exposed some disturbing racially-charged smack talk that took place during the legal proceedings.
Back in 2013, Kobe invested $6 million for a 10% stake in the sports drink company, BodyArmor. Years later, Coca-Cola acquired the company for a staggering $5.6 billion, earning Kobe a reported $400 million from his initial investment. This lucrative venture laid the foundation for the legal battle that ensued.
In 2019, six months before the tragic helicopter accident that claimed the lives of Kobe and their daughter, Gianna, Molly Carter, the President of Kobe Inc., alleged that Kobe had promised her 2% of his cut from the BodyArmor deal. However, Kobe vehemently denied making any such promise.
Molly Carter decided to take legal action, filing a lawsuit against Kobe. Vanessa, determined to defend her late husband’s legacy, not only defended the case but also filed her own counterclaim against Molly. Vanessa argued that Molly had violated the duty of loyalty and the non-disparagement clause in her employment contract by trash-talking Kobe and his family.
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The alleged trash-talking revealed in the legal proceedings was deeply unsettling. Vanessa claimed that Molly referred to Kobe as an “asshole,” a “douche nugget,” and a “dick wad.” Molly, on the other hand, called Vanessa the “f***ing devil,” a “bitch,” and a “psycho.” She even went as far as mocking Vanessa’s newborn child, referring to the baby’s lips as having “botox lips.”
Another troubling revelation from the case was Vanessa’s allegation that while working for the company, Molly made derogatory comments on an NBA All-Star game trip. Vanessa claimed that Molly complained about there being “a lot of fancy-ass Black people” on the plane during the journey.
Eventually, the case went to arbitration, and Vanessa emerged victorious on both the lawsuit and her counterclaim. As a result, she was awarded more than $1.5 million in attorney’s fees. Now, Kobe’s legal team has filed documents requesting an Orange County Superior Court judge to validate and endorse the arbitration award.
Vanessa’s triumph in the legal battle not only secured her financial compensation but also served as a testament to her determination to protect Kobe’s legacy. By fiercely defending her late husband’s reputation, Vanessa sent a powerful message that she will not tolerate anyone tarnishing his memory or engaging in racially-insensitive behavior.
The outcome of this lawsuit highlights the importance of upholding professional conduct and respect in business relationships. It serves as a reminder that individuals should adhere to their contractual obligations and treat others with dignity and fairness. Kobe’s investment in BodyArmor proved to be a monumental success, but it was marred by the contentious legal dispute that followed. Nevertheless, Vanessa Bryant’s victory ensures that Kobe’s investment legacy remains unblemished, and his memory continues to inspire millions around the world.
