Vanessa Getty, wife of billionaire Billy Getty from Getty Oil, is facing allegations after reportedly crashing a Porsche into a parked car while looking for her glasses.
The incident occurred on March 28, 2024, when Getty’s electric sports car collided with a parked Mercedes owned by a woman named Mary Riley in San Francisco.
A lawsuit filed on June 18 in San Francisco Superior Court states that Getty’s vehicle struck Riley’s car with significant force. It claims that Getty was negligent and failed to exercise reasonable care during the incident near Divisa Delo Street and Lombard Street. At the time of the crash, Riley was inside her vehicle.
The 66-year-old Riley reported suffering from both orthopedic and traumatic brain injuries.
Quinton Cutlip, Riley’s attorney, indicated that Getty admitted to being distracted by her search for glasses when the crash happened. He mentioned that details about her behavior at the scene were noted.
Riley was admitted to the hospital and continues to receive treatment for her injuries, according to Cutlip.
Both vehicles involved in the crash were towed away, and one individual required hospitalization, confirmed the San Francisco Fire Department.
Riley is pursuing unspecified damages through her lawsuit. Cutlip mentioned that the case will proceed through the civil litigation process as necessary.
Vanessa Getty, 52, has been married to Billy Getty, the grandson of oil magnate Jean Paul Getty, since 1999, and they have three children together.
A renowned philanthropist, Vanessa Getty frequently attends high-profile events and was once a trustee of the San Francisco Art Museum. She is also the founder of a charity for animal welfare.
Additionally, Getty has been a notable donor to various Democratic campaigns, including that of Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the godparent of one of her children.
No immediate comment was received from Getty’s representatives as of Wednesday afternoon.
