Kobe Bryant: Respect for the Dead and Rape Survivors
Source: WallpaperCave
On Sunday, January 26, 2020, the world lost an iconic retired basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, and nine other victims including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. Their lives were taken in a horrifying private helicopter accident. The other victims of the crash were: John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, and Ara Zobayan.
As this shocking news reached media Sunday morning, many mixed emotions came from social media— mourning, out-rage, disrespect, and misrepresentation to name a few.
Source: TheSun
TMZ released this news before all of the information was collected from the scene and, even worse, before Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, and the other families were informed of the crash and deaths of their loved ones. This caused Vanessa and the other family members a great deal of trauma in which only worsened when the news was confirmed by the LA police and fire department. TMZ is a prime example of causing more problems than it solves. Of course, no one deserves to hear news of their loved ones dying, but the news of Kobe, Gianna, and the other victims should have been delivered in a calm and bona fide manner by professionals.
Source: CNN
Since the initial announcement of his death, the world seems to be divided on social media about this NBA Legend. Many mourned his death and payed tribute to him. Brands that worked with him made posts on their platforms; Madison Square Garden was lit up in purple and yellow (his old team’s colors); many artists like Alisha Keys structured their Grammy performances to pay tribute to him; and millions of fans posted photos of him and his daughter captioned RIP or thoughts and prayers.
Kobe touched the lives of millions and was a hero to many basketball fans young and old. His 20-season career with the LA Lakers will be cherished by many. His shots were record breaking and legendary to the point that even if you weren’t into basketball, you knew who he was. Gen Z Fans may remember in middle school throwing trash away by launching their crumpled garbage overhand like a basketball player, shouting “KOBE!” if they made it.
With great achievements and fame, often there are things that lie beneath the trophies and adoring fans. As millions mourn his death and the death of the other victims, there are those who struggle with feeling remorseful towards Kobe and have taken to social media to bring awareness to his rape case of 2003.
Source: NewYorkPost
Kobe faced life in prison over the rape of a 19-year-old hotel worker on the night of June 30, 2003. This case and the victim shall not be forgotten.
The case ended in a settlement of $2.5 million paid to the victim in 2005. Many people were divided over this issue back then. Some label the girl as an “accuser” and said she made it up to make money off of the wealthy player, while others sided with the girl as she was just a young hotel worker trying to put in extra hours. Both parties made statements that they did in fact have intercourse, including Kobe. Back then, the media was able to control the narrative to sweep the case under the rug. Kobe’s statement was released, saying it was a misunderstanding that he thought was consensual.
Kobe, however, did lose large endorsements such as Nike, but in 2005 he went on to play until his retirement in 2016. The information media has provided from the case includes Kobe’s statement apologizing for what happened to the media, the victim, and the victim’s family. The victim’s claim and DNA evidence can also be noted.
No one can know for sure what happened to the girl or what Kobe did but one thing is for certain: this case will be a negative footnote in his legacy. Kobe’s many labels of admiration like “hero” and “legend” have been circulating in the news and media, but his label of “rapist” has been dug up and plastered all over Twitter. With movements such as #MeToo, women now have an outlet to share their stories and be embraced by other women who have been victimized through sexual assault. It is important to bring awareness to rape cases such as this one; additionally, it brings attention to the often unfair justice system.
Unfortunately, many can make statements that are carried out in a hurtful way.
Even with the rape case charged against Kobe, it is still important to remember that he was a human-being who tragically died, as well as eight other victims. In a time of tragedy like this, it is important to take note of all sides—of all people affected. This includes the rape victim from 2003. One could imagine the difficulty of seeing one’s attacker plastered across the internet years after the assault. At the end of the day though, people are allowed to mourn and have their own opinions, but there must be a balance if anyone is going to heal. Tragedies such as rape and death bring out the worst in people, but this should be a time of recognition, awareness, and mourning—not hate.