Kobe Bryant was involved in several lawsuits before his death and became the subject of significant litigation afterward. Before the January 26, 2020 helicopter crash that killed him, Bryant faced a 2003 felony sexual assault charge in Colorado that was dropped and settled civilly, and his company was in the middle of a trademark fight over the name “Black Mamba.” After his death, his widow Vanessa Bryant pursued a wrongful death lawsuit against the helicopter operator and a separate federal case against Los Angeles County over first responders who shared photos of the crash victims. The post-crash cases produced a confidential wrongful death settlement, a $31 million jury verdict, and a broader $28.85 million settlement with the county.
The 2003 Colorado Sexual Assault Case
The most prominent legal matter of Bryant’s life came in the summer of 2003. Bryant, then 25, was charged with felony sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman at a resort near Vail on June 30, 2003.1Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Kobe’s Legal Legacy Through the 2003–04 NBA season he shuttled between court dates in Colorado and Lakers games.2The New York Times. Kobe Bryant Rape Case
In September 2004, prosecutors dropped the charge after the accuser said she was unwilling to testify. The accuser then filed a civil suit against Bryant. It was resolved through a private settlement whose terms were never made public.2The New York Times. Kobe Bryant Rape Case
The Black Mamba Trademark Dispute
Bryant’s company, Kobe, Inc., filed to trademark “Black Mamba” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in May 2016, covering athletic apparel and footwear. The mark was registered on December 11, 2018.3Justia Trademarks. Black Mamba Trademark Filing
Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, a supplement company selling a product called “Black Mamba Hyperrush,” contested the registration. In March 2017, Kobe, Inc. filed an opposition with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, arguing that Hi-Tech’s use of the name created a likelihood of confusion and falsely suggested a connection to Bryant under multiple sections of the Lanham Act.4USPTO TTAB. Notice of Opposition, Kobe Inc. v. Jared R. Wheat The TTAB sided with Kobe, Inc. in one proceeding after Hi-Tech conceded that an assignment of the mark had been invalid, and registration of “Black Mamba Hyperrush” was refused.5USPTO TTAB. TTAB Order, Opposition Nos. 91233646 and 91240032
A related proceeding was still active heading into 2020. On January 2, 2020, Bryant filed a motion to suspend the case because the parties were in active settlement talks, and the proceeding was terminated that day, just weeks before the crash.6PolitiFact. Kobe Bryant’s Death Wasn’t a Setup to Keep Him From Testifying
The timing later fueled online conspiracy theories claiming the crash had been arranged to keep Bryant from testifying. PolitiFact rated the claim false. The NTSB’s 72-page crash report made no mention of any lawsuit, the “Black Mamba” name, or a pharmaceutical company.6PolitiFact. Kobe Bryant’s Death Wasn’t a Setup to Keep Him From Testifying The FDA had flagged “Black Mamba Hyperrush” in 2015 for containing hidden ingredients (sibutramine and phenolphthalein), but no opioids were found in the product.7U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Public Notification: Black Mamba Hyperrush Contains Hidden Drug Ingredients
The Helicopter Crash
On January 26, 2020, a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter carrying Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California. All nine aboard were killed, including pilot Ara Zobayan, basketball coach Christina Mauser, the Altobelli family (John, Keri, and Alyssa), and Sarah and Payton Chester.8ABC7. Kobe Bryant Crash Photos LA County Lawsuit
The NTSB found the probable cause was Zobayan’s decision to continue flying under visual flight rules into conditions that required instrument flying, which led to spatial disorientation and loss of control.9NTSB. DCA20MA059 Investigation Page Contributing factors included the pilot’s likely self-induced pressure to satisfy a high-profile client and Island Express Helicopters’ inadequate safety management oversight.10NPR. NTSB Says Pilot Had Spatial Disorientation in Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash Mechanical failure was ruled out.11NBC Los Angeles. Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash Cause Finalized NTSB Report
Zobayan had one prior FAA violation. In May 2015, he entered restricted airspace near LAX after being denied clearance due to poor weather, admitted the error, and received counseling and additional training from Island Express.12ESPN. Pilot in Kobe Bryant Crash Had FAA Violation in 2015 The FAA concluded there were no indications the 2015 incident was part of a pattern.13CNN. Kobe Bryant Crash Pilot 2015 Violation Zobayan had logged more than 8,000 flight hours and served as Island Express’s chief pilot.14ABC7 News. Pilot in Kobe Bryant Crash Written Up for 2015 Violation
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Island Express
Less than a month after the crash, Vanessa Bryant filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court in Los Angeles against Island Express Helicopters, Island Express Holding Corp., and the estate of Ara Zobayan.15USA Today. Vanessa Bryant Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Kobe Crash The complaint alleged that Zobayan flew into weather he knew was dangerous, failed to maintain a safe distance from terrain, and that Island Express did not equip the helicopter with a terrain awareness system, authorized flight into unsafe conditions “with conscious disregard of the rights or safety of others,” and failed to properly train and supervise Zobayan after his 2015 FAA violation.16Los Angeles Times. Vanessa Bryant, Others Settle Lawsuit With Helicopter Firm in Kobe Bryant Crash
Families of the other victims filed separate wrongful death suits raising similar claims. On June 22, 2021, all parties filed a joint notice of settlement. The terms were confidential and no amounts were disclosed.15USA Today. Vanessa Bryant Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Kobe Crash
The Crash-Scene Photos Case Against Los Angeles County
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department took cell phone photos of the victims’ remains at the crash site and shared them with people who had no investigative reason to see them. Those identified in court proceedings included Sheriff’s Deputy Joey Cruz, Deputy Doug Johnson, and retired fire captain Brian Jordan.17NBC Los Angeles. Vanessa Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash Site Photos Lawsuit
Vanessa Bryant and Chris Chester, whose wife Sarah and daughter Payton died in the crash, sued Los Angeles County in federal court, alleging negligence, invasion of privacy, and infliction of emotional distress. Trial began August 10, 2022, before U.S. District Judge John Walter and ran 11 days.17NBC Los Angeles. Vanessa Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash Site Photos Lawsuit On August 24, 2022, after roughly four and a half hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously awarded Vanessa Bryant $16 million and Chris Chester $15 million.18NBA.com. Vanessa Bryant Awarded $16M in Trial Over Crash Photos
In February 2023, Vanessa Bryant and the county reached a broader settlement of $28.85 million. That figure incorporated the jury award (adjusted from the initial $16 million) and resolved all remaining claims, including pending state court litigation and any future claims by the Bryant children.19Los Angeles Times. County to Pay More Than $28 Million to Kobe Bryant Widow Vanessa Chris Chester settled separately for $19.95 million.20ABC News. Vanessa Bryant Settles Claims With LA County for $29 Million The Altobelli and Mauser families had already settled their photo-related claims in November 2021 for $1.25 million each.8ABC7. Kobe Bryant Crash Photos LA County Lawsuit The county’s total costs across attorney fees, settlements, and verdicts for all four families were expected to exceed $51 million.
Safety Recommendations From the NTSB
The NTSB’s final report, adopted in February 2021, asked the FAA to require scenario-based simulator training for charter helicopter pilots covering adverse weather decisions and spatial disorientation, and to convene an expert panel on spatial disorientation simulation technologies. The board also directed Island Express to join the FAA’s voluntary Safety Management System program and install flight data recording devices on its fleet.21NTSB. AAR-21-01 Accident Report The FAA said it was reviewing the feasibility of mandatory flight data monitoring systems and extending safety management requirements to charter operators.22Los Angeles Times. NTSB Recommendations and FAA Response