Kobe Bryant has been dropped from the jury of the Animation Is Film Festival. After an online outcry over his 2003 rape allegation, the event decided to part ways with Bryant. He was supposed to serve on a panel of judges at the festival this weekend.
Eric Beckman, CEO of GKIDS, released a statement regarding the decision. “After discussions with the various stakeholders of Animation Is Film, the decision has been made to remove Kobe Bryant from the 2018 jury.” GKIDS is the distributor that produces the Animation Is Film event.
Following the announcement, Bryant also released his own statement to signal his disappointment. “I was honored to have been originally invited by Animation is Film to serve on the 2018 Jury, and am disappointed to no longer serve in that capacity. This decision further motivates me and my commitment to building a studio that focuses on diversity and inclusion in storytelling for the animation industry. I remain focused on changing the world in positive ways through diverse stories, characters, and leadership, in order to inspire the next generation.”
A change.org petition was posted last week urging the festival to remove Bryant from the jury. “This is an urgent time to say NO to toxic and violent behavior against women,” the petition states. “Keeping Kobe Bryant on the jury sets a precedent of [leniency] for sexual criminals and further undermines the visibility and respect that victims of harassment and assault deserve.”
Bryant was arrested and charged with the rape of a 19-year-old woman in 2003. Ultimately, the charges were dropped as the woman refused to testify in court. Bryant publicly apologized to the woman and settled a civil assault case with her in 2005 for undisclosed terms.
