Kobe Bryant is remembered as one of the greatest players to play the game of Basketball. He is remembered for his stern mentality and the great achievements that he was able to accomplish because of the so dubbed ‘mamba mentality’. Bryant’s legacy is something that seems strong and unblemished but it’s not like it.
Behind the fame and huge pile of Kobe’s success, people tend to forget that their beloved star was also involved in some controversies during his time as a player. Kobe had to go through hard times as once he had to pay $4 million as an apology to his wife Vanessa Bryant.
Kobe Bryant once spent $4m on an apology to Vanessa Bryant?
This incident dates back to 2003 when the Basketball world was taken by a storm of controversies centered around Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba was accused of sexual assault and while the accusations never proved in court, they left a deep stain on the NBA legend’s glorious career.
Even in those difficult times, Bryant stood strong and acknowledged his love and commitment towards his family. According to reports from that time, Kobe and his wife Vanessa along with their daughter Natalia were spotted at an exclusive jewelry store. Kobe made a very expensive purchase there which caught the public’s eye; an 8-carat gorgeous purple diamond ring that was worth around $4 million.
Later it was revealed that the purchase of this ring predated the accusations by two weeks which shut down the assumptions of the ring being an apologetic token for the controversy.
What happened in Kobe Bryant’s alleged sexual assault case?
Kobe Bryant’s alleged rape case had everyone’s attention not only in the United States, but across the world. It was rare for such big names to be accused of such degrading crimes, so it rose to popularity very fast. In July 2003, Bryant was accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old hotel employee in Colorado. Kathleen Marie Mauser, the 19-year-old filed a lawsuit against Kobe and accused him of rape.
The Black Mamba was arrested and charged with felony and sexual assault. The case ultimately went to trial in 2004 and Kobe was acquitted of all the charges. She testified that Bryant had raped her in his hotel room after they met at a party. Bryant denied all allegations and emphasized that the encounter was consensual.
The inconsistencies in the accuser’s story led to her failing the lawsuit. The prosecution heavily relied on the testimony of the accuser, but her statements changed after some time. She told the police that Kobe had choked and beaten her but later recanted her statements. The Jury acquitted Bryant of all the charges and even though he was not found guilty, he acknowledged his mistake of adultery and sought forgiveness from his family.
What do you think of Kobe Bryant’s ridiculous purchase? Even though Bryant was found not guilty what are your thoughts on this matter? We would love to hear your opinion so drop down in the comments and let us know.
