Bryant Lawyers Say Accuser Had ‘Scheme’

Kobe Bryant’s attorneys spelled out in court filings Tuesday the reasons they believe the sexual and mental health history of the woman accusing the Laker star of rape should be admissible at trial.

Attorneys Hal Haddon and Pamela Mackey said their recent contentions that the woman’s treatment for mental illness and two attempts at suicide are relevant because they explain “her motive, scheme, plan and modus operandi for falsely accusing Mr. Bryant of sexual assault.”

The defense said in a court filing that the second suicide attempt by the 19-year-old Eagle, Colo., woman, which occurred one month before the alleged June 30 rape, was an overdose of an antipsychotic medication, Seroquel, and occurred while she was taking the antidepressant Wellbutrin.

The documents reiterated that barring evidence the woman had sex with multiple partners in the days before the alleged rape would violate Bryant’s right to a fair trial.

Bryant, 25, faces a felony sexual assault charge. He has said he had consensual sex with the woman.

The next motions hearing in the case is scheduled for Jan. 23. Judge Terry Ruckriegle is expected to hear arguments on whether the woman’s medical records can be used as evidence. The defense is expected to call nine witnesses, including the accuser’s mother.

Ruckriegle has not made a determination as to whether the hearing would be closed to the public.