How f*cking dare you?
The untimely, shocking death of Kobe Bryant has caused millions to share their grief on various social media platforms. However, not everyone who has come forward to speak about the Los Angeles Laker’s tragic death wants to honor Bryant’s memory. Following the news of his death, Felicia Sonmez, a reporter for The Washington Post, shared an article detailing the 2003 rape case where a woman accused the basketball star of sexual assault. Bryant admitted to having sex with the woman but adamantly denied he assaulted her. The case never went to trial because the woman refused to testify against him.
Sonnez was later suspended for her insensitive tweets about the late basketball star, but she isn’t the only one who has brought up Bryant’s scandal. American Gothic and True Blood actress Evan Rachel Wood also shared a tweet that ignited a backlash from thousands. “What has happened is tragic. I am heartbroken for Kobe’s family,” the actress wrote. “He was a sports hero. He was also a rapist. And all of these truths can exist simultaneously.”
She would later follow her initial message up with: “Beloveds, this was not a condemnation or a celebration. It was a reminder that everyone will have different feelings and there is room for us all to grieve together instead of fighting. Everyone has lost. Everyone will be triggered, so please show kindness and respect to all.”
People were quick to point out that Wood has stood by Woody Allen, an acclaimed filmmaker who has been accused of sexually abusing his children, and actress Kyla Pratt even called her out. “Evan. We met as kids & I grew up in the same industry has you and have admired your work from afar these past few years,” Pratt wrote. “On camera and off. But this tweet? How f*cking dare you?” Check out a few scathing responses below.
This is an absolutely disgusting comment that reeks of white feminism, narcissism and veiled racism. You took this tragedy and made it about yourself.
— Kevin Arbouet (@kevinarbouet) January 27, 2020
It’s really not that hard to get your facts right first before making these shameful accusations during these times pic.twitter.com/flL6T0GF2T
— SMOOVE TAKE (@SmooveTake) January 26, 2020
Just fyi, the charges where dropped because the encounter was consensual the accuser also confirmed this, but I dont feel like arguing today #RIPKobeBryant pic.twitter.com/uBqp8VtI1S
— Interracial War Room (@Nico_Gianni_) January 26, 2020
Evan. We met as kids & I grew up in the same industry has you and have admired your work from afar these past few years. On camera and off. But this tweet? How fucking dare you?
— Kyla Pratt (@KylaPratt) January 27, 2020
White feminism in 3 parts. pic.twitter.com/XQIUBurMtB
— Reef (@Reef215) January 27, 2020
We didnt need a "reminder". You used the death of a man & his daughter to get clout from the #metoo movement. You used allegations, not an actual conviction to disrespect a black icon on the day of his death. This is why your brand of feminism makes us all look like a joke
— Maria M (@mariapaalbergm) January 27, 2020
Don't worry folks. @evanrachelwood is here to keep everything in perspective & make sure y'all aren't too sad over this. Such a disgusting take from a disgusting person. A hypocritical narcissist with zero empathy. But hey…gotta stay woke & remind everyone how awesome she is. https://t.co/cnaVVsW3te
— Brian McPherson (@ThatBrianFella) January 26, 2020
The nerve, bitch. pic.twitter.com/tPrACL5Qee
— Tanya Tucker's Moonshine Alto (@thejournalista) January 26, 2020
“As long as he’s my friend and he can better my career, rape is cool by me”
-Evan Rachel Wood https://t.co/qQkGpaOml8 pic.twitter.com/64ncca0kKO
— Dan – You Watch, I Listen Podcast (@jerseypiroz) January 26, 2020
Beloveds, this was not a condemnation or a celebration. It was a reminder that everyone will have different feelings and there is room for us all to grieve together instead of fighting. Everyone has lost. Everyone will be triggered, so please show kindness and respect to all.
— #EvanRachelWould (@evanrachelwood) January 27, 2020
