Kobe Bryant Fans Defend Laker Star's Oscar Nomination Amid Time's Up Movement

It didn’t take long for Kobe Bryant to receive some backlash after it was announced Tuesday morning that he was among the 2018 Oscar nominees. Bryant’s film “Dear Basketball” was nominated for best short film (animated), and articles are already being written about the sexual assault allegations that were brought against the former Los Angeles Lakers' star in 2003.

Bryant’s name has been mentioned alongside James Franco, who was among the notable names that didn’t receive an Oscar nomination. “The Disaster Artist” star won the award for best actor at both the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards, but he wasn’t recognized by The Academy amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Franco is one of the latest celebrities that has been the subject of the “Times Up” Movement, which was created in the aftermath of the sexual assault allegations against powerful men in Hollywood.

Prosecutors dropped the case against Bryant, who claimed the encounter with his accuser was consensual, in 2004 when the woman refused to testify against the NBA star. Bryant and his accuser settled a civil assault case, though any possible financial terms of the agreement are unknown.

Shortly after the nominations were announced, “Kobe Bryant Gets Oscar Nom, Hollywood Has Huge Problem” was published by TMZ. The Hollywood Reporter also wrote about Bryant’s nomination being “clouded” by his past.

Gary Oldman’s past has also been a subject of Tuesday’s Oscar nominations. The favorite to win the award for best actor for his role in “Darkest Hour” was accused of domestic violence by then-wife Donya Fiorentino. Oldman has denied the allegations and no charges were ever filed against him following a police investigation.

While there has been some opposition to Bryant’s nomination, plenty of fans have taken to social media to defend the former NBA player.

Bryant might be the most popular player in the history of the Lakers after spending his entire 20-year career with the team. “Dear Basketball” was released on the day the franchise retired both his No.8 and No.24 jerseys at Staples Center in L.A.

When he received his nomination, Bryant thanked The Academy on Twitter, calling the recognition “beyond the realm of imagination.”

Bryant retired in 2016 as one of the most accomplished players in NBA history. He finished his career with five championships and 18 All-Star appearances. He’s third in NBA history in points scored, ranking just ahead of Michael Jordan.