More than a year after the untimely death of Bobbi Kristina Brown, daughter of Bobby Brown and the late Whitney Houston, a judge has found her boyfriend, Nick Young, "legally responsible" for her death. WXIA-TV reports that her estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Gordon, accusing him of assault, battery, and intentionally causing her emotional harm.
Gordon failed to appear in court twice in the case, so the judge said anything the Brown estate claimed is admitted through omission. The Browns wanted $50 million in damages, but a jury will ultimately decide how much Gordon will have to pay. Gordon has not been charged with any crime.
"In court today, we finally finished a long journey for justice for Bobbi Kristina Brown," R. David Ware, a lawyer for Brown's conservator, told reporters. "The court agrees with us, by striking Mr. Gordon's answer that he is legally responsible for her death. The only thing left to prove is the value of her life. We intend to do that."
"I am pleased with the outcome of today's court proceedings. All I ever wanted was answers relating to who and what caused my daughter's death," Bobby Brown said in a statement. "Today's judgment tells me it was Nick Gordon. Now I need to process all the emotions I have and lean on God to get me and my family through this."
Brown had been found unconscious in her bathtub in January of 2015, and was placed in a medically induced coma for months before her death. Her cause of death was revealed to be a mix of drugs, alcohol, and drowning, all of which caused the pneumonia that killed her at 22 years old.
Gordon insisted he did nothing wrong in an interview on Dr. Phil in April. He denied any claims against him in the lawsuit. "That is not true," Gordon said. "I got so tired of that lawsuit, I just stopped paying attention to it. It's designed to make me look bad." He said that the two of them did drugs "socially," but that Brown's problem got "really bad" after her mother died. Finding her unconscious was "literally a nightmare all over again," Gordon said. His attorneys have said in the past that he tried to save her life.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
All the Easter Eggs and Name Drops on Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department,' Explained
Digging through the fan theories so you don't have to.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
This Week's Best On-Sale Picks Include a Tory Burch Bag and Pretty Silver Ballet Flats
Warm weather is finally here—it's time to dress like it.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
A Sporty It-Sneaker Era Is About to Begin
Nike's next Air models are designed for Olympic athletes, but they'll soon be all over street style.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton Published
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner Published
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors Published
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park Published
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez Published
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors Published