ORLANDO: The family of comedian Bob Saget wants a Florida judge to prohibit the release of any photos, video or other records related to the investigation into his death, saying that doing so would cause them irreparable pain.
Saget’s wife, Kelly Rizzo, and his three daughters, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday in Orlando, Florida, asking a state judge for a ruling that would prohibit the release of any records from the local medical examiner’s office and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office involving the probe into Saget’s death.
Saget, 65, was found dead Jan. 9 in a room at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando. He had performed in the area the night before as part of a stand-up tour.
The medical examiner said last week that Saget had died from an accidental blow to the head, likely from a backwards fall. An autopsy report showed that Saget had an abrasion on his scalp, a fracture at the base of his skull, fractures around his eye sockets, bleeding between the brain and tissue covering the brain as well as bruises to the brain. A toxicology analysis didn’t show any illicit drugs or toxins in Saget’s body.
During the course of the autopsy and death investigation, the medical examiner’s office and sheriff’s office created graphic videos and photos of Saget’s body, as well as audio recordings. Such records are prohibited by state law from being released publicly, but some media outlets have already filed requests for them, according to the family’s lawsuit.
“Plaintiffs will suffer irreparable harm in the form of extreme mental pain, anguish, and emotional distress if Defendants release the Records in response to public records requests or otherwise disseminate the records for any other reason or purpose,” their complaint said.
Under a Florida law passed following the death of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt two decades ago, records related to autopsies are required to be kept confidential, with only surviving family members or a government agency as part of its official duties allowed to view them.
However, “upon a showing of good cause,” a court can allow the records to be viewed or copied under the supervision of the records’ custodian. In allowing the records to be viewed, a judge must consider whether it’s necessary to evaluate governmental performance and the seriousness of the intrusion into the family’s privacy, among other criteria, according to the law.
“No legitimate public interest would be served by the release or dissemination of the records to the public,” said the lawsuit by Saget’s family.
Saget was best known for his role as beloved single dad Danny Tanner on the sitcom “Full House” and as the wisecracking host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos.” He was buried in Los Angeles.
Bob Saget’s family seeks to block release of autopsy records
https://arab.news/nqr43
Bob Saget’s family seeks to block release of autopsy records
- Saget's wife and three daughters filed a lawsuit on Tuesday asking a state judge for a ruling that would prohibit the release of any records from the local medical examiner's office
- The medical examiner said last week that Saget had died from an accidental blow to the head
Imaan Hammam shines in bridesmaid mode
- Attends wedding of best friend and model Cindy Bruna
DUBAI: Supermodel Imaan Hammam recently attended the wedding of her best friend and fellow supermodel Cindy Bruna, who tied the knot with former basketball star and actor Blondy Baruti in an intimate ceremony in Paris.
Bruna, a French-Congolese model best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret and major fashion houses, married in a private celebration attended by close friends and family. She wore a custom gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab.
Hammam was a part of the bridal party, serving as one of Bruna’s bridesmaids. The Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian model wore a long, maroon-red gown with a sleeveless silhouette.
The dress was paired with matching elbow-length gloves in the same deep red shade, creating a coordinated and striking look that stood out but was in keeping with the formal event.
On Instagram she posted images with the caption: “Most special weekend celebrating my sis and Blondy. The most beautiful bride … truly. My heart is so full. We danced, we laughed, and we loved every moment.”
The floor-length gown featured clean lines and a streamlined cut, allowing the rich color to take centerstage. Hammam kept her styling minimal, letting the dress and gloves do most of the work.
Hammam and Bruna have been close friends for years, frequently appearing together at fashion events and on international runways.
Hammam is one of the most in-demand models in the industry. She was scouted in Amsterdam’s Centraal Station before making her catwalk debut in 2013 by walking in Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture show.
Hammam has appeared on the runway for Burberry, Fendi, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Balenciaga and Carolina Herrera. And starred in international campaigns, including for DKNY, Celine, Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani and Tiffany & Co.
Earlier this year, she launched Ayni, an archival platform dedicated to preserving and celebrating Arab artistic expression from her perspective.
“For me, it’s always been so much deeper than just fashion. It is about staying connected to my roots, telling stories that move me and shining a light on the voices that need to be heard.”
She said her hope for Ayni is for it to grow beyond a personal vision and become a “real community.”
