Page 8 ~ THE VILLAGER/December 25, 2020 THE DISPATCH www.theaustinvillager.com Sofia Laine Responds To Her Daughter, Vanessa Bryant, After New Lawsuit Written by BET Staff

Laine (inset right) is seeking compensation for being a “longtime personal assistant and nanny” for the family.

(BET) - This year has been especially difficult a statement released immediately after the docu- attempted to sever all ties and renege on all obliga- for many people, but very few understand the ments went public. “As of 10 years ago, our kids tions and agreements.” depths of emotional pain and grief that Vanessa were full-time students and athletes and I didn't "Why would she do this to her own mother?” Bryant had to absorb, which had nothing to do with have another child until 2016. Her claims are obvi- she continued. “I am so disappointed, hurt, and the worldwide pandemic. Not only did she experi- ously false but I still tried, repeatedly, to work things wronged to the point that I had no choice but to file a ence the sudden deaths of her husband, Kobe out with my mother." lawsuit… I am nearly 70 years old, my health is dete- Bryant, the L.A. Laker legend, and their daughter, TMZ is now reporting that Laine has responded riorating, and my own daughter is doing this to me?" Gianna, 13, but now she has to contend with an- to Bryant’s statement to further address the state The Los Angeles Times reports that Vanessa other personal family issue being played out in front of their current relationship. Bryant explained that she and her husband had fi- of the public. “I would like to state that I do not enjoy airing nancially supported her mother and allowed her to Court documents recently confirmed that our family grievances in the public,” Laine started. live in one of their homes near their Newport Coast Bryant's mother Sofia Laine was suing her for finan- “Although I filed a lawsuit, I did not make any pub- residence for free. cial support, claiming that she had worked without lic comments and was hoping for the court process “She now wants to back charge me $96 per pay as a “longtime personal assistant and nanny” to run its course without the publicity, as hurtful as hour for supposedly working 12 hours a day for 18 for the family and her grandchildren, according to it is. I did not want this and do not want this.” years for watching her grandchildren,” Bryant states. The Los Angeles Times. Laine claims that all that she is asking for is Bryant inherited control of an estate valued at “In reality, she only occasionally babysat my what she has worked for and what she has been about $600 million after her husband’s death, The older girls when they were toddlers,” Bryant said in promised. She also alleges that her daughter “has Times notes. Eve Makes ‘Bittersweet’ Departure From ‘The Talk’ After Four Seasons by Paul Meara | BET you ladies," she said. "I've gotten something (BET) - Eve said from you all. Whether goodbye to The Talk in "This is not goodbye — that's being more au- what she described as a thentic, Mrs. O, or bittersweet moment. this is, 'I'll see you whether that is knowing On Friday’s (De- who you are and stand- cember 18) episode of later,'" she said on her ing your ground, Sheryl. the CBS daytime pro- Or whether that is open- gram, the co-host and final show ing up your soul, Carrie rapper, 42, said she was Ann, I have gotten so very thankful for the much from all of you." time she spent on the She also thanked show over the past four them for their support. years. "I was so scared to "It's my final show call you and tell you that today, and I have been I was leaving because I reminded of all the in- was like, 'I don't want to credible times we've leave.' It's the hardest shared together," she thing. It's very bitter- said. "And these don't sweet," she said. "The even include the fun first thing that happened we've had together off- was you all were like, screen — trust me, 'Girl, we're happy for we've had some great you. You better go do — times." you got stuff to do! You Eve, who was better go!'" joined virtually by co- them for their friend- say it again, I said it a few Mrs. O, I love you, Eve joined the hosts Sharon Osbourne ship. Carrie Ann Inaba is times, that I truly, genu- Sheryl. And Carrie Ann, I panel after Aisha Tyler’s and Sheryl Underwood, battling COVID-19. inely, for real love you," know you're watching, I departure in 2017. "I've praised and thanked "I've said it once, I'll she said. "I love you, love you." learned from each of

The VILLAGER Wishes You & Yours a And !