Kobe and Vanessa Bryant have decided to stay together and called off their divorce.
The couple made a joint statement to omg! Insider’s Kevin Frazier . The Bryants said, “We are pleased to announce that we have reconciled. Our divorce action will be dismissed. We are looking forward to our future together.”
Vanessa Bryant also posted the statement on Instagram, and Kobe posted a message on his Facebook page:
“I am happy to say that Vanessa and I are moving on with our lives together as a family. When the show ends and the music stops, the journey is made beautiful by having that someone to share it with. Thank you all for your support and prayers! Much luv, Mamba out.”
Vanessa Bryant originally filed for divorce in December 2011, citing “irreconcilable differences,” and her superstar husband said he would do “whatever it takes” to win her back. A month later, there were reports that Vanessa Bryant won all three of the couple’s properties in Newport Beach, as well as half of their $150 million fortune.
The couple’s marriage became strained in 2003, when Kobe Bryant admitted to infidelity after he was accused of sexual assault. He insisted that the sex was consensual. The then-19-year-old who accused him didn’t want to proceed with a trial, and the charges were dropped.
Vanessa stood beside her husband throughout the whole ordeal, and Kobe spent $50,000 on a recommitment ceremony two years later.
Kobe and Vanessa have been married 11 years and have two daughters, 9-year-old Natalia and 6-year-old Gianna.