The Bryant family has officially released their second statement since the shocking deaths of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.
That statement? Do not believe everything you hear.
Quite a few stories have come out about how Vanessa Bryant and surviving daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri are coping during this unbelievable tragedy, but according to their new statement most of that’s out there is “inaccurate” — and therefore hurtful. And they’re calling out one story in particular.
Related: ABC Suspends Reporter Who Said All Kobe’s Daughters Were In Crash
Molly Carter, president of Kobe Inc., released the statement to the Los Angeles Times on Thursday, saying:
“We are disappointed in some media’s broad use of unnamed sources and blind quotes, and remind everyone that the Bryant family will speak on our own behalf when appropriate. To this point, no one has been authorized to speak on behalf of the family regarding any personal details surrounding Sunday’s tragedy, including stories related to the family’s previous air travel decisions.“
That last line is a pretty direct reference to the story which was circulating on Thursday claiming Kobe and Vanessa had an agreement not to fly in a helicopter at the same time for the sake of their kids. An “unnamed source”, as the statement points out, had told People:
“It’s not necessarily because you are concerned something will happen, it’s just a precaution. A lot of couples with children make plans that are in the best interest of their children. It was the same for Kobe and Vanessa.”
So why did this particular story precipitate a statement?
It may have to do with the unintended implications. We mean, if Kobe and Vanessa both thought helicopter travel was unsafe enough they needed to have a sort of “designated survivor” rule, doesn’t that imply it was irresponsible to take their 13-year-old daughter on the aircraft in the first place?
So that story in particular does kind of make them look like bad parents; we can see why Vanessa would be upset — especially if it’s “inaccurate” as the new statement goes on to assert:
“We ask members of the media for respect and responsible judgment during this difficult time. These inaccurate reports only add unnecessary pain to a grieving family.”
Thus far the only other official news about the family’s well-being has come directly from Vanessa, who released a statement on Wednesday saying:
“My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them. We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately. There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved. We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon. I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them. But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way. Our love for them is endless — and that’s to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever. Thank you for sharing your joy, your grief and your support with us. We ask that you grant us the respect and privacy we will need to navigate this new reality.”
[Image via WENN/Avalon.]
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