Vanessa Marie Bryant, born on May 5, 1982, is an American businesswoman, philanthropist, and former model. She is widely recognized as the widow of Kobe Bryant, the renowned professional basketball player.
Together, they established the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation in 2007, which aims to offer scholarships to minority college students globally. Vanessa also heads the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, a charitable organization focused on providing support to young athletes in need.
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Table of Contents
Who is Vanessa Bryant’s New Husband?
Vanessa Bryant has only publicly acknowledged dating Kobe Bryant, a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. They met when Vanessa was 17 and working as a backup dancer and music video extra, eventually becoming high school sweethearts.
Early Life
Born on May 5, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, Vanessa Marie Bryant, née Laine, experienced an early life marked by her parents’ divorce. Raised primarily by her mother, who remarried in 1990 to Stephen Laine, Vanessa adopted her stepfather’s surname.
She lived in Garden Grove and attended Marina High School but completed her senior year independently due to disruptions caused by her high-profile relationship with Kobe Bryant. Vanessa met Kobe in 1999 on a music video set, an encounter that eventually featured in Kobe’s documentary “Muse.” She graduated with honors in 2000.
Career
In 2007, Vanessa Bryant and her husband Kobe founded the VIVO Foundation, later renamed the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation, to provide scholarships and aid to minority youths worldwide. They were also founding donors of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
After Kobe and their daughter Gianna‘s tragic deaths in 2020, Vanessa renamed the Mamba Sports Foundation to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, launching a clothing line in 2021 to benefit young athletes. Additionally, as president of Granity Studios, she collaborated with Baby2Baby, earning a philanthropy award in 2021 for her efforts.
Personal Life
Vanessa and Kobe Bryant‘s life together was filled with both public adoration and personal challenges, including the high-profile sexual assault case against Kobe in 2003. They had four daughters, with Vanessa dedicating much of her energy to her family and her charitable work following Kobe’s death in 2020.
What is the nature of Pau Gasol and Vanessa Bryant’s relationship?
Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant were not just teammates but also close friends, a relationship that extended to Vanessa following Kobe’s death. Pau has shown immense support for Vanessa and her daughters, solidifying a familial bond through continued affection and care.
Are Victor Ortiz and Vanessa Bryant dating?
Vanessa Bryant and Victor Ortiz are not dating. In 2011, during a tumultuous time in Vanessa’s marriage to Kobe, rumors surfaced linking her with Victor Ortiz. However, Ortiz firmly denied these rumors, stating that he had never met Vanessa and dismissing the claims as unfounded.
Conclusion
Vanessa Bryant’s life has been a testament to resilience and strength. Amid ongoing public interest in her personal affairs, she maintains a commitment to her family’s legacy and her philanthropic endeavors, without confirmed reports of new romantic involvements.
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FAQs about Vanessa Bryant’s New Husband
- Is Vanessa Bryant dating anyone currently?
- As of 2024, Vanessa has not confirmed being in a relationship since Kobe’s passing.
- How did Vanessa and Kobe Bryant meet?
- They met in 1999 on the set of a music video where Vanessa was working as an extra.
- What philanthropic efforts is Vanessa involved in?
- Vanessa leads the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation and has been involved with other charities like Baby2Baby.
- What is Vanessa Bryant’s relationship with Pau Gasol?
- Pau Gasol, a former teammate of Kobe, shares a close, supportive relationship with Vanessa, akin to family.
- Was Vanessa Bryant ever involved with Victor Ortiz?
- No, the rumors of their involvement were denied by Ortiz, and there is no evidence to support such claims.
