How We’re Covering The Bobbi Kristina Tragedy

Update, February 11, 1:25 p.m.: Georgia police have confirmed they are conducting a criminal investigation into the events surrounding the discovery of Bobbi Kristina Brown being found unconscious on January 31. ​"The incident has always been under criminal investigation and has not been reclassified as a criminal investigation. Criminal investigations may or may not result in criminal charges being brought against individuals," the Roswell Police department said in a statement released today. Authorities are currently on the scene investigating the incident. Update, February 10, 4 p.m.: The Brown family just released an official statement through Bobby Brown's lawyer, Christopher Brown of Brown & Rosen LLC. It reads: "We support the candlelight vigil for Bobbi Kristina. The Brown family is amazed by the love and support from all that attended. However the false reports that continue to appear in print and on the internet are egregious, false and will be dealt with at an appropriate time. In particular, the false reporting of TMZ, The National Enquirer, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, and the Daily Mail (U.K.) citing, police sources, family sources and Bobby Brown himself, will receive my attention. The desire to be 'first' has clouded the judgment of many reporters as they forgo accuracy. This is a criminal investigation and the integrity of that process requires silence. We continue to request privacy in this matter. We thank everyone that supported the vigil for Bobbi Kristina. God is hearing our prayers."

The following post was originally published on February 10, 2015:
On Saturday, January 31, Bobbi Kristina Brown was found unresponsive in a bathtub and rushed to a nearby hospital. The only daughter of Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston, who accidentally drowned in a bathtub on February 11, 2012, Bobbi Kristina was placed in a medically induced coma and has remained in one
since then. It's a tragic story no matter what the outcome. She's only 21 years old, and even before losing her mother, Brown reportedly had a tumultuous relationship with her father and extended family.

It's been extremely hard to decide how much of and what exactly from the news reports about Bobbi Kristina we should cover. There's been a pervasive stream of rumors surrounding what happened and her current condition. We'll admit that we fell prey to reporting on some of those rumors. For example, this story about her family gathering to say goodbye now feels speculative and unconfirmed. The majority of information was gathered through anonymous sources, not direct statements from the Brown family. This story, which contains an official announcement from Bobby Brown, reflects the type of coverage we'll be publishing in the future. Moving forward, we won't be reporting on Bobbi Kristina unless it's to discuss a statement released by her family or a direct quote from her father or other named family member. We will also cover information about the criminal investigation that has been launched by police, since it is a matter of public record. Today brought more rumors about Bobbi Kristina's condition, but nothing has been confirmed, so we won't be covering it. We are monitoring the story and will do our best to keep you informed. Our thoughts are with Bobbi Kristina, the Browns, and the Houstons at this time.