Kobe Bryant’s Oscar Win Clouded By Past Sexual Assault Allegations

In the wake of the #MeToo movement, supporters are cracking down on the public’s praise of the accused. While many men and women, alike, have been accused of some sort of sexual misconduct, harassment, or assault in Hollywood, very few, if any, have been convicted. Nevertheless, the allegation has become enough to tarnish one’s entire reputation and professional career-even decades later.

On Sunday, March 4, Kobe Bryant received and celebrated his first ever Academy Award for “best animated short,” for his film “Dear Basketball.” However, with the praise, came widespread criticisms, as many were opposed to honoring an accused sexual assault assailant.

“I don’t know if it’s possible,” Bryant said, during his acceptance speech. “I mean, as basketball players, we are really supposed to shut up and dribble. But I am glad we do a little bit more than that.”

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Back in 2003, a 19-year-old accused the legendary baller of rape, despite his claims that the encounter was consensual. However, one year later, the case was dismissed and the charges were dropped after the woman refused to testify in court.

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Now, more than a decade after the allegations and accusation, with Bryant adding another trophy to his collection, some are upset, as Hollywood has been plagued with such behavior in the past. But, nothing was done, until now.

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First it was Bill Cosby, then Harvey Weinstein, which was followed by a slew of Hollywood’s biggest actors and personalities, including , who was accused in January for sexual misconduct, claims which he denies. However, they weren’t the only ones to feel the wrath of the #MeToo movement, just one year before its commencement, Nate Parker was criticized ahead of the release of his film “Birth of a Nation,” which did not receive an Oscar nod, for his 2001 rape trial that ended with Parker’s acquittal.

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But now, with the celebration of former Laker Bryant, many are accusing the Academy of being out of touch. Why was Weinstein ousted, but Bryant is nominated? Many took to social media to question the hypocrisy of the Academy.