Vanessa Bryant, widow of late NBA icon Kobe Bryant, hopped on social media Sunday with a sharp message for internet’s latest chatter regarding her alleged pregnancy. Her post came after rumors began sizzling over the weekend, and Vanessa’s making it very clear that she is not one to be played with.
Channeling the energy of Bad Gal RiRi, Bryant, 43, seemingly shut down those buzzing rumors by posting the Fenty beauty boss with a middle finger in the air while on vacation. Above the photo was a caption that read: “Me protecting my peace, not pregnant & having fun all summer,” alongside party and beachy emojis.
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Y’all, she wasn’t done yet. In the next post, Vanessa clapped back once again with a more serious photo toting the caption, “I’m not mean. I’m just not the one.”
While the origins of the rumor can’t be specified, some conclude it was after photos surfaced of her wearing all black in a Lakers hat, causing some to speculate that she may be hiding her figure behind layers and dark colors. Wild conclusion to draw based solely on her outfit — but the internet’s gonna internet.
Although Bryant shut down the rumors that she’s with child, the messy debacle opened up a larger conversation as to when it’s really OK for a widow to move forward, and questioning why the public applies such shame and scrutiny when she takes the leap. One TikTok user, Midorij — who received a whopping 4 million views in 24 hours — offered her perspective, saying “Life keeps moving,” and that Bryant needs companionship too, despite her not being pregnant after all anyway.
“Vanessa Bryant is not the property of you or Kobe. Kobe died. She can move on. You are f***g stupid,” another user on Twitter sounded off.
While Vanessa made it clear she’s unbothered by the noise, she stood firm against the internet’s knee jerk reaction to police women — especially widows —when they choose joy, healing, or even just a hot summer moment for themselves.
One thing is clear…Vanessa Bryant is living life on her terms — and the internet will just have to let that marinate.
Straight From 
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