Nick Gordon ordered to pay 36m damages
Nick Gordon has been ordered to pay Bobbi Kristina Brown’s family $36 million.
The 25-year-old star was found legally responsible for the death of his girlfriend – who passed away in July 2015 after six months in a coma – two months ago and a judge has now ordered that he pay the huge sum to the aspiring actress’ loved ones.
Nick was not in court, as he has failed to be throughout the case, and Fulton County Superior Court Judge T. Jackson Bedford said because he had failed to appear twice, anything alleged by the plaintiff was admitted through omission, and agreed to award damages to Bobbi Kristina’s estate, who had initially been seeking $40 million.
The judge heard testimony from Bobbi’s famous father, Bobby Brown, as well as some of her friends, as he assessed the losses and attempted to place a value on the deceased’s life.
He said: "To determine the value of a life is pretty difficult. So the court has been back there primarily struggling with that particular issue."
The damages awarded in the civil case – which alleged Bobbi Kristina died due to a violent altercation" with Nick, "after which he placed her in a bathtub, unconscious, after he injected her with a toxic mixture" – included $15 million for present value of life, $13.8 million for pain and suffering as a result of assault, $250,000 in punitive damages, $1.37 million for assault and battery and $1.575 million for money taken from an account, including allegedly stolen rings.
New Edition singer Bobby – who had Bobbi Kristina with late ex-wife Whitney Houston – said he was pleased with the outcome of the case, but urged prosecutors to now press ahead with criminal proceedings.
He said in a statement: "I am pleased with the outcome of today’s court proceedings. I do know that Mr. Gordon will be unable to slander my daughter’s name in the future or obtain any benefits from the use of Krissy’s name.
"Finally, I do need for the District Attorney’s Office to step up and begin the criminal prosecution of Mr. Gordon. The delay in that matter is of great concern to me and my family. We need for District Attorney Howard to act now."
And lawyers acting for Bobbi Kristina’s estate have vowed to pursue the "full collection" of the $36 million.
R. David Ware told E! News: "We intend to pursue, with all vigor, the full collection of the judgment.
"The defendant will not escape justice nor ever profit from his misdeeds. We hope that in some small way this will allow Krissy’s family to continue their quest for peace."
