Something From Nothing: Top 14 Famous Gold Diggers

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8) Vanessa Laine

Vanessa Laine was working as a background dancer in a music video when she met basketball star, Kobe Bryant, who’d come to the studio to make a video of his own. The star was immediately struck by the girl, who was only 17 to his 21. He overwhelmed her with his romantic gestures, sending flowers at the school and picking her up in limos, so much so that the school insisted she be homeschooled for the rest of the year to get rid of the disruptions. Bryant proposed with a 7 carat $100,000 diamond engagement ring, and Vanessa dropped out of her schooling to get married.

Two years later, rumors swirled around about Kobe being unfaithful, which caused Vanessa to threaten divorce until Kobe bought her a large home for her mother and a $4 million ring. This set the pattern for their relationship. He’d do something to get her furious, she’d threaten to leave, and he’d buy her off to get her to stay. It seems to be working. She’s got a nice collection of jewelry and real estate, and he’s got, well, her at home.