Vanessa Bryant publicly dismissed recurring rumors that she is pregnant while attending the U.S. Open on Saturday, posting an Instagram Story showing her holding the tournament’s signature honey deuce drink and calling the speculation “imaginary.”
“Enjoying my honey deuce,” Vanessa, 43, wrote on her Story alongside a tennis-ball emoji and a message that read, “Keep me posted on how this imaginary pregnancy rumor is coming along. 24 years later….same rumor.” She and two of her daughters, Capri and Bianka, watched the women’s final from the Emirates suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defended her U.S. Open title with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory over Amanda Anisimova in 94 minutes. Vanessa’s eldest daughter, Natalia Bryant, 22, was also photographed in the suite. The final was a rematch of the Wimbledon semifinals in July, where Anisimova upset Sabalenka.
Vanessa Bryant has addressed pregnancy rumors on social media before. In June she shared a meme of Rihanna flipping her middle finger while carrying a drink, captioned, “Me protecting my peace, not pregnant & having fun all summer.” She has not publicly dated since the death of her husband, NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant, 41, and the couple’s 13‑year‑old daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Jan. 26, 2020. Vanessa has remained a visible presence at public events since the tragedy, often attending games and matches with her daughters.
The Instagram post underscored how the rumor has persisted for many years; Vanessa’s comment that it has been going on for “24 years” suggests the speculation dates back well before her husband’s death. She did not elaborate further in the Story. Photographs from the match show the family together as spectators, and there was no public comment from other family members at the time of the final.
The exchange is the latest instance of Vanessa Bryant responding directly to social-media narratives about her private life. She continues to balance public appearances with maintaining privacy for herself and her daughters while honoring the memory of Kobe and Gianna Bryant.