Controversial figure Dr. Umar Johnson criticized Vanessa Bryant on the “Joe Budden Podcast,” accusing her of not using Kobe’s wealth for the good of the Black community.
Johnson claims Vanessa chose a white college for an initiative. The clip sparked an uproar on Twitter, with users defending Vanessa’s right to her money.
Kobe and Vanessa’s foundation supports minority students, and Vanessa donated her $16 million privacy lawsuit victory to their foundation. The Mambacita clothing line also funds charitable initiatives.
Vanessa Bryant Is Adamant For Not Using Kobe Bryant’s Wealth For The Black Community
Dr. Umar accused Vanessa Bryant of not using Kobe Bryant’s money to do good in the black community.
(? @JoeBuddenPod ) pic.twitter.com/Rqfz8rpigQ
— Art of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) December 26, 2023
During a recent appearance on an episode of the “Joe Budden Podcast”, Dr. Umar criticized Vanessa, the widow of basketball star Kobe Bryant, accusing her of not using Kobe’s wealth to “do any good in the Black community.”
In the podcast video, Johnson claims Vanessa, who is of Mexican descent, does not contribute to the Black community. He said that the widow “inherited [Kobe Bryant’s] What wealth and taste? Did Vanessa Bryant use any of that Black man’s money to do any good in the Black community? Absolutely f—– no.”
When challenged on the accuracy of his claims, Johnson, known for his controversial views on interracial marriage, stated: “He’s a public figure… I know, and I’m telling you now. Vanessa Bryant just started an initiative with three predominantly white colleges, a kind of sports initiative with Kobe’s money and Kobe’s name.” “Didn’t pick a single HBCU [historically Black colleges and universities] with black men’s money,” he added.
He emphasized his point by adding: “If I marry a white woman, when I die, my wealth goes to the people who robbed everything from my community.”
Social Media Users Defend Vanessa Bryant
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The podcast clip has caused a storm on X (formerly Twitter), amassing over 26 million views.
One user defended Vanessa, asserting her right to use the money however she sees fit, writing: “I don’t advertise— if Vanessa uses the money to buy lollipops and gum. This is his money, his loss, and he should use it however he sees fit. He does not owe a CENT to anyone, anything, any organization, any community.
Another questioned, “How is the Bryant family’s money entitled and legally owned by black people? Do you think before you type?”
A third person criticized Johnson’s financial advice, emphasizing that “he’s taken money for almost 10 years to build a school that hasn’t been built and he’s talking about using black people’s money and people’s money.”
A fourth user denied the allegations, sharing evidence of black children benefiting from the Mamba Foundation/Academy, challenging Johnson’s position. The user added, “There are black kids at the mamba foundation/academy. Please use your time and energy to take revenge on real issues in the black community. Vanessa Bryant is not one of them.”
It’s been three years since she lost her husband and daughter
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In January 2020, Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, were tragically among nine individuals who lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Calabasas, California.
The devastating incident led to an outpouring of global grief for the NBA legend who is survived by his wife of 19 years, Vanessa, and their three other daughters, Natalia, 20, Bianka, 7, and Capri, 4.
In September of the same year, Vanessa filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles County, alleging that deputies at the crash site had “used personal cell phones to take and share inappropriate photos of children, parents and coaches.”
In August 2022, nine jurors unanimously ruled in Vanessa’s favor, awarding her $16 million for invasion of privacy and emotional distress caused by the photos.
Vanessa Bryant Philanthropy
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In 2007, Kobe and Vanessa established the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation, offering scholarships to minority college students and youth around the world. The couple is also a founding contributor to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC
In 2016, the couple founded the Mamba Sports Foundation after Kobe’s retirement. The foundation, now renamed the Mamba & Mambacita Foundation after the tragic passing of the Los Angeles Lakers icon provides funding and sports programs for young athletes in underserved communities.
In August 2022, Vanessa announced her decision to donate the $16 million awarded in her lawsuit against Los Angeles County to the Mamba & Mambacita Foundation, per News Week.
In 2021, she also introduced the Mambacita clothing line in honor of her late daughter, Gigi, on Gigi’s 15th birthday. At that time, they announced that all proceeds from the clothing line contribute to the Mamba & Mambacita Foundation’s charitable initiatives
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
