Kobe Bryant Slammed Over Rape Accusation After Oscar Win

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant Rape Accusation Resurfaces After Oscar Win

Kobe Bryant received a bit of backlash on social media last night. The retired NBA baller took home an Oscar for “Dear Basketball”, winning for best animated short. However, his win brought sharp criticism on social media, as a 2003 rape accusation against him resurfaced.

Accepting the award, Bryant said the win was validation he could succeed both on and off the court. Referencing comments made by Fox News host Laura Ingraham, who suggested athletes like LeBron James shouldn’t comment on politics, he stated,

As basketball players, we’re told to shut up and dribble. I’m glad we did a little bit more than that.

Kobe Bryant accepts #Oscar for Best Animated Short: “As basketball players, we’re really supposed to shut up and dribble. But I’m glad we do a little bit more than that.” https://t.co/lJd891ISOk #Oscars pic.twitter.com/5dLQ6CwRlB

— ABC News (@ABC) March 5, 2018

Bryant was arrested in 2003 after a 19-year-old accused him of rape. He has maintained his innocence and described the sexual encounter as consensual. The case was dropped the following year after the woman said she was unwilling to testify in court.

Prior to last night’s win, a petition was launched to remove his Oscar nomination. And last night, on social media, a few social media reactions called Bryant out, amid the rise of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movement. See some reactions below.

Do you agree with people criticizing Kobe over the rape accusation?

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