Gayle King's Response Following Kobe Bryant Rape Questioning Draws out Social Media
02/06/2020 10:44 am EST
Many were in support of King's response...
Many fans of King's took to Instagram to admit that it took "bravery" to come out and discuss the decision behind that line of questioning.
"It's so good to hear your perspective and the reminder that you, too, are mourning Kobe and meant in no way to disparage him but instead wanted someone close to him to weigh in on why that should not be a part of his narrative. We support you Gayle, always!" wrote Oprah magazine writer, Ariana Davis on Instagram.
"You're a woman of incredible courage and character for taking the time to address this in a manner that feels right to you. It's time to leave it alone...great button," added another.
And others were empathetic to her questioning.
"I'm shocked to see the reaction of these people after your heartfelt explanation," added another on Instagram. "As a journalist, you've got to ask those questions. It's not fair to others involved if you ignore it. I heard you and I believe you."
"Your a wonderful and one of a kind person!" added another. "Be gentle with yourself."
But some were less supportive...
"Always blame the network sure , why was the question even in the interview AT ALL ?" wrote one fan on Twitter.
"Soooooo, the network threw you under the bus with a clip you made anyways. Gotcha," another contested.
While others were left confused over the entire approach.
Meanwhile, a few others were not a fan at all.
Nonetheless, a bunch were more forgiving.
"Gayle, your reputation is being impacted, I am glad that you are responding. Being a responsible journalist is something that I know is important to you. I do think that bringing up the whole issue when Kobe isn't even in the ground is very insensitive," added another "one of [her] biggest fans."
King detailed her interactions with Bryant from over the years.
In the video Wednesday, King went on to praise Leslie, saying how "it was very powerful when she looked [her] in the eye... to say it's time for the media to leave it alone and to back off."
King also reflected on past interactions with Bryant, admitting he was always "very kind and very warm" to her.
"I felt that we had a friendly relationship. I too am mourning his loss just like everybody else. I still am shocked by it," she said. "It's tragic and untimely and the last thing I would want to do is disparage him at this particular time."
But some didn't buy it.
"You said Kobe was kind and warm towards you...don't you think you should do the same...." another wrote on Instagram.
NBA star, Bryant died on Jan. 26, when their helicopter, carrying his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, their friends and fellow members of the Mamba Academy, crashed in California. The crash has since been ruled an accident by the NTSB.
What do you think of the entire situation? Comment below and let us know your thoughts.
Photo credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
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