Kobe Bryant’s Oscar win tarnished by scars of his 2003 sexual assault case

Utkarsh Bhatla | 05/03/2018
Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was on top of the world today, winning the Oscars for his short film “Dear Basketball” and showing the world that Basketball players can do more than just ‘dribble’.

While Kobe fans rejoiced this win for their Black Mamba, many social media influencers brought back memories of the 2003 sexual assault case against Kobe. More so because the Oscars theme this time round was ‘Time’s up anti-harassment theme”.

In 2003, Bryant was accused of sexually assaulting a 19 year old in Colorado. Bryant was adamant that sex was consensual and after a year of court hearings, the prosecutors dropped the charges as the woman did not want to go ahead with the trial.

“Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did,” Kobe had spoken through his attorney.

“After months of reviewing discovery, listening to her attorney, and even her testimony in person, I now understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter.” he added.

The Oscar’s theme of ‘Time’s up this year was around the #MeToo campaign, empowering women to speak up against sexual harassment and abuse, and thus a lot of people on social media did not take Kobe Bryant’s win pretty well.

Bryant though was ecstatic after the win, even taking a dig at Fox New presenter Laura Ingraham, who had asked basketball players to keep their noses out of politics, as they were fit only to ‘shut up and dribble’.

“As basketball players we’re really supposed to shut up and dribble, but … we do a bit more than that.” Kobe said.

Kobe conceded that the Oscars win was probably bigger than winning the championships.

“I feel better than winning a championship, to be honest with you. I swear I do.” Kobe said.

Kobe had decided about writing stories after Basketball but a lot of people laughed it off.

“That’s cute, you’ll be depressed when your career’s over. To be here now and have this sense of validation, this is crazy man.” concluded Bryant.

Post Edited By: Utkarsh Bhatla
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Utkarsh Bhatla

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