After previously announcing their intent to divorce, NBA star Kobe Bryant and wife Vanessa Bryant have canceled their divorce plans and now intend to remain married.
The announcement came via Instagram, where the wife revealed to followers that they are now officially back together. As a result, the divorce action currently in court will soon be dismissed, erasing what otherwise could have been a high-profile, high-asset divorce case in which child custody, property division and other disputes played out on a potentially public stage.
The couple met in 1999 at a music video shoot and became engaged six months later. They married in 2001 and have remained together since — even after an ugly 2003 scandal in which Kobe was charged with sexual assault.
While the assault accusations were later dropped, Kobe did admit to consensual sex outside of marriage. But his wife remained by his side. His wife is frequently seen at games for the Los Angeles Lakers, which he has played for throughout his professional career.
According to divorce records filed a year ago in court, Vanessa Bryant had sought a significant settlement that included all three of the couple’s California homes. Since that filing, though, one of the homes has been sold.
Kobe Bryant also released a statement through his Facebook page thanking fans for support and confirming his happiness in remaining together with his wife. The reconciliation brings to end a 13-month period of uncertainty after Vanessa Bryant filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.
Source: ESPN, “Kobe Bryant’s divorce canceled,” Jan. 12, 2013
