*Gayle King has responded to the backlash she’s receiving for bringing up Kobe Bryant’s 2003 rape case during an interview with WNBA player Lisa Leslie about the legacy of the late NBA icon.
The criminal case against Bryant was dropped on Sept. 1, 2004, after the accuser declined to testify. She later filed a civil lawsuit, which was settled out of court.
“It has been said that his legacy is complicated because of the sexual assault charges which was dismissed in 2003, 2004. Is it complicated for you as a woman, as a WNBA player?” King asked Leslie during their interview.
“It’s not complicated for me at all,” Leslie stated. “I just have never seen him as being the kind of person that would do something violating to a woman or be aggressive in that way, that’s just not the person I know.”
King then asked Leslie if it is fair to talk about Bryant’s sexual assault case “considering that he’s no longer with us and that it was resolved, or is it really part of his history?”
“I think the media should be more respectful at this time. It’s like, if you had questions about it, you’ve had many years to ask him that,” Leslie said. “I don’t think it’s something that we should keep hanging over his legacy.”
On January 26, Bryant, along with his 13-year old daughter Gianna and seven others, were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California
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.@WNBA legend @LisaLeslie told @GayleKing that Kobe Bryant’s legacy is “not complicated” for her despite his 2003 rape accusation.
“I don’t think it’s something that we should keep hanging over his legacy.” https://t.co/qj6MVvOaqX pic.twitter.com/9qtVORobLO
— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) February 4, 2020
Following the interview, several fans and Twitter users slammed both King and her bestie Oprah for going after Black men like Kobe, Bill Cosby, R. Kelly, Michael Jackson and Russell Simmons over their alleged sex crimes, while remaining silent on the sexual assault allegations leveled against white men such Harvey Weinstein, Les Moonves, Matt Lauer and Larry King.
“Why would Gayle King even bring that up about Kobe Bryant? Yes, I understand she has a job to do. Certain things I feel should be omitted out of respect of the tragedy. Especially for your own, but I digress,” Twitter user Dollar wrote, per Newsweek.
Several folks believe King is trying to tarnish Bryant’s legacy by asking about the sexual assault allegations.
“That Gayle King interview was done in poor taste…Kobe’s family haven’t even buried him and his rape allegations which he was exonerated of are being brought up,” wrote Twitter user Queenyams.
“That @GayleKing interview with Lisa Leslie was distasteful. To ask Lisa about Kobe’s alleged sexual assault while she’s mourning his death was truly nasty. Charges were dismissed over 10 years ago and during his time of death that’s what you focus on…Your agenda is calculated,” wrote Twitter user Boogie.
Why would Gayle King even bring that up about Kobe Bryant? Yes, I understand she has a job to do. Certain things I feel should be omitted out of respect of the tragedy. Especially for your own, but I digress.
— ᴅᴏʟʟᴀʀ (@callmedollar) February 5, 2020
Rappers Snoop Dogg (watch NSFW clip), Boosie Badazz (watch NSFW clip) and 50 Cent are among King’s critics.
“what is this, wait somebody gotta help me understand why they keep doing this,” 50 Cent wrote, along with a clip from the interview. “i apologize for my language in advance let’s talk about this.”
Over the clip, he can be heard saying, “That’s not complicated. You just said it was dismissed… Then how would you see it, Gayle? How the (expletive) would you see it, (expletive)?”
Twitter user Professor Black Truth noted, “Why did @CBSThisMorning double @GayleKing‘s coontract to 11 mil a year? She has NEVER said a word about her former boss Les Moonves. Never asked his wife @JulieChen about it. Never asked about Charlie Rose. She ONLY goes after black men. Guess that’s why!
That Gayle King interview was done in poor taste…Kobe’s family haven’t even buried him and his rape allegations which he was exonerated of are being brought up ?
— queenyams. (@angieyams) February 5, 2020
According to user @thehoracetowns, journalists “lack class.”
“Gayle King and Oprah seem to go after certain stories without class , but ignore the stories involving their Hollywood friends,” he wrote. “You bring up something about Kobe right after his death for ratings or relevance? Kobe Bryant has passed away”
In a statement to USA TODAY, King responded to criticism surrounding her discussion with Leslie.
“I understand why people are upset seeing that clip out of context,” she said. “I hope they will now watch the entire wide-ranging interview. We asked a longtime friend of Kobe Bryant’s to talk to us about his legacy and their friendship and Lisa Leslie did exactly that.”
King also released a lengthy video statement on Twitter, which you can watch via the YouTube player above.
That @GayleKing interview with Lisa Leslie was distasteful. To ask Lisa about Kobe’s alleged sexual assault while she’s mourning his death was truly nasty. Charges were dismissed over 10 years ago and during his time of death that’s what you focus on… Your agenda is calculated
— boogie (@xyy_toi) February 5, 2020
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