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Vanessa Bryant Sues Helicopter Owner as Kobe’s Memorial Service Begins 

As mourners gathered at Staples Center on Monday for a memorial service to celebrate the lives of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, attorneys for Vanessa Bryant filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company  that operated the helicopter that crashed last month, killing her husband, daughter and seven others. 

The complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Fillmore-based Island Express Holding Corp. and Island Express Helicopters alleges that pilot Ara Zobayan, who also died in the crash in Calabasas, failed “to use ordinary care in piloting the subject aircraft” and was negligent. “Defendant Island Express Helicopters authorized, directed and/or permitted a flight with full knowledge that the subject helicopter was flying into unsafe weather conditions,” the lawsuit says. 

 Island Express suspended operations indefinitely following the crash. A previous version of the company’s website advertised the company as operating “the West Coast’s largest fleet of Sikorsky S-76 passenger aircraft, the most-trusted name in helicopters” and being family owned since 1986. 

Michael Jordan Delivers Tearful Tribute to “little brother” Kobe 

Michael Jordan just spoke at the memorial for Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna Bryant and the NBA legend let his tears flow throughout the heartfelt tribute. 

“Maybe it surprised people … but we were very close friends,” he said. He went on to say that although everyone always wanted to talk about the comparisons between him and Kobe, he only wanted to talk about Kobe. 

Jordan said Kobe Bryant was like a little brother whose constant questions were sometimes a “nuisance” but ultimately based on love. 

“At first, it was an aggravation…But then it turned into a certain passion. This kid had passion like you would never know,” Jordan said. “He wanted to be the best basketball player that he could be,” Jordan continued. “And as I got to know him, I wanted to be the best big brother that I could be.” 

Bill Cosby’s Supports Harvey Weinstein, Publicist Says 

Bill Cosby’s publicist has issued a statement in support of Harvey Weinstein on the day the disgraced movie producer was convicted of rape. 

Posting via Bill Cosby’s official Facebook page, Andrew Wyatt questioned whether Weinstein received a fair trial due to widespread media coverage and a persistent judge who wouldn’t let jurors remain deadlocked. According to Page Six, Wyatt says Cosby called him numerous times on Monday because he was so upset at the verdict. 

“This is not shocking because these jurors were not sequestered, which gave them access to media coverage and the sentiments of public opinion. There’s no way you would have anyone believe that Mr. Weinstein was going to receive a fair and impartial trial,” Wyatt wrote on Instagram. 

 

 

Saudi Authorities Call for Arrrest of Black Saudi Woman Over Music Video ‘Girl from Mecca’ 

A Saudi Arabian rapper is facing possible arrest for the ultimate crime: having pride in being a woman of color from Mecca, one of the most sacred places in the world for Muslims. 

The rapper, who goes by the name Asayel Slay, uploaded a video to her YouTube channel last week of her performing a song titled “Mecca Girl,” in which she raps about the pride she has for her city, her womanhood, and the color of her skin. 

In the video, which has since been taken down, Slay raps in both Arabic and English. Modest in dress and in tongue, she praises the women of her city for their beauty and strength. She raps in a cafe, surrounded by young male and female backup dancers. Asayel has also had her YouTube channel suspended, according to BBC News. 

Oklahoma School District Apologizes for HS Basketball Announcer Who Called Players’ Names Disgusting 

At a girls’ basketball district championship game at Newkirk High School i