Vanessa Bryant DISOWNS Her Daughter After She Gets Pregnant By Bronny James

Learning from Each Other

“Honestly, I’ve learned the most just from each other,” Bronny James reflects on his family life. “I think just being able to rely on each other and be there for each other has been the biggest thing.”

But how is Bronny fitting into family life? “He’s doing good. They’re good,” comes the light-hearted response, hinting at the parent stamp of approval. Yet, there’s a playful undertone of uncertainty, suggesting the pressure that comes with being LeBron James’s son.

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The Spotlight on Bronny

Bronny James, the eldest child of NBA legend LeBron James, has been under the media microscope since his birth on October 6, 2004. His life has been a constant clash between basketball prowess and relentless media attention. From his teenage years at Sierra Canyon School to his NBA debut with the Lakers in 2024, every move he made was scrutinized.

As LeBron’s heir, Bronny carved out his own identity, showcasing early accomplishments and professional potential during his time at USC. However, his private life was just as much under the spotlight. Fan speculation and gossip websites often focused on Bronny’s relationships, turning his journey through adolescence into a public narrative filled with scrutiny and judgment.

The Early Relationships

Bronny’s first significant high-profile relationship was with Amara Weigh-ins, linked in early 2020. Amara belonged to a prominent Hollywood family, and their relationship garnered attention, especially when Bronny posted heart-eye emojis under her photos. However, this relationship was short-lived, and rumors about his choice of partner led to backlash and misunderstandings.

The next notable relationship was with Payton Gelfuso, a classmate from Sierra Canyon. Their senior prom solidified their love, which lasted for about two years, despite facing online criticism related to their interracial relationship. Following Bronny’s cardiac arrest in 2023, Gelfuso publicly supported him, reigniting media interest in their relationship. However, by the end of 2023, they had split, and Bronny began dating Parker Whitfield, daughter of actors Dandre T. Whitfield and Sally Richardson.

The New Relationship

Parker and Bronny’s relationship blossomed, with Parker publicly announcing their connection on Instagram in October 2024. Their romance received significant media attention, particularly due to Parker’s Hollywood lineage. The couple shared loving posts, celebrating milestones together, which further solidified their place in the public eye.

In September 2025, Parker’s parents discussed their daughter’s relationship with Bronny, signaling their approval amidst the media frenzy. Dandre humorously linked his approval to Bronny bringing home a championship, while Sally expressed her trust in Bronny’s character.

The Role of Natalia Bryant

Enter Natalia Bryant, the eldest daughter of the late NBA great Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Bryant. At 22, Natalia has forged her own path as a successful model signed to IMG Models while attending USC. After the tragic loss of her sister Gianna and father Kobe in January 2020, Natalia’s life took a dramatic turn.

Although Bronny and Natalia remained friends through their shared experiences at Sierra Canyon and USC, speculation about a romantic relationship began to swirl. Fans frequently called for them to date, despite both claiming they were just friends. The narrative of two basketball royalty children linked by tragedy and fame intrigued many, especially given the history between their fathers.

The Protective Instinct

Vanessa Bryant has always prioritized protecting her daughters from the damaging impacts of celebrity culture. With Natalia now in the spotlight, Vanessa’s protective instincts intensified, especially considering the media scrutiny surrounding Bronny’s past relationships.

Vanessa’s concerns were heightened by the rumors that arose from Bronny’s high-profile romances, which often attracted excessive media attention and fueled negative commentary. The environment surrounding Bronny was not just a reflection of his choices but also a potential threat to Natalia’s well-being.

The Media Circus

As Bronny’s star continued to rise following his selection by the Lakers in the NBA draft, the media’s focus intensified. Every aspect of his life, including his relationships, was scrutinized, which inevitably drew Natalia into the narrative due to their connections.

Vanessa recognized the dangers of this exposure, understanding that her daughter’s name and image could be exploited for clicks and views. The gossip surrounding Bronny and Natalia became a point of contention, with media outlets framing it as a conflict between two basketball dynasties.

The Intersection of Lives

The intersection of their lives became a source of speculation, with fans and media alike creating narratives that often misrepresented their friendships. While Parker’s parents adopted a laid-back approach to the public interest in their daughter’s relationship with Bronny, Vanessa’s protective nature stemmed from the trauma of losing her husband and daughter.

The contrast between the two families’ approaches created tension, with insiders suggesting that Vanessa expressed her concerns about the potential fallout from Bronny’s growing popularity and the media circus it attracted.

The Strain of Celebrity

As the story unfolded, it became clear that this was not just about Bronny and Natalia. It was about the challenges that celebrity children face when their parents’ fame spills over into their private lives. Even a 22-year-old should not have to navigate relentless rumors about her love life simply because she attended school with a well-known athlete.

Natalia had already shown remarkable maturity in managing her father’s legacy while pursuing her own goals. Vanessa’s attempts to shield her daughters from the chaos of celebrity culture were constantly being tested. Every friendship became a potential love affair in the eyes of the public, and every public appearance was scrutinized for hints of romantic involvement.

The Ongoing Narrative

As rumors continued to swirl, the media frenzy highlighted the complexities of the James and Bryant families. While Bronny and Natalia maintained their friendship, the public’s fascination with their connection persisted, often overshadowing their individual achievements.

In a world where celebrity children are viewed as commodities rather than individuals, Vanessa’s protective bubble around her daughters faced constant threats. The narrative surrounding Bronny and Natalia serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by young people in the public eye—a struggle to maintain their identities amidst the relentless scrutiny of fame.