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Kobe Bryant Reacts To Being Dropped From Film Festival Over 2003 Rape Allegation

(Photo credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

Katie Jerkovich Entertainment Reporter
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Kobe Bryant said he was “disappointed” Wednesday after being dropped from an animated film festival over a 2003 rape allegation levied against him.

“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,” a statement from the 40-year-old professional basketball player read after news broke that he had been dropped from the festival, according to Variety. (RELATED: Kobe Bryant Winning An Oscar Proves Hollywood Is Full Of Hypocrites)

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA game at US Airways Center on February 19, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo: Getty Images)

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA game at US Airways Center on February 19, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo: Getty Images)

“This decision further motivates me and my commitment to building a studio that focuses on diversity and inclusion in storytelling for the animation industry,” he added. “I remain focused on changing the world in positive ways through diverse stories, characters, and leadership, in order to inspire the next generation.”

Earlier in the day, organizers of the “Animation Is Film Festival” said that “after discussions with various stakeholders” the former Los Angeles Lakers star had been removed from the 2018 jury of the festival being held this weekend at the TLC Chinese Theaters.

“The decision has been made to remove Kobe Bryant from the 2018 jury,” Eric Beckman, CEO of GKIDS, the independent animation distributor that produces the event shared. “We are a young organization and it is important to keep our collective energies focused on the films, the participating filmmakers, and our festival attendees.”

Last week, an online petition surfaced urging that the NBA champion be taken off the jury.

“This is an urgent time to say NO to toxic and violent behavior against women,” the petition read. “Keeping Kobe Bryant on the jury sets a precedent of lenience for sexual criminals and further undermines the visibility and respect that victims of harassment and assault deserve.”

In 2003, Bryant was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a Colorado hotel employee where he was staying. The charges were dropped in 2004 after the person allegedly refused to testify and he publicly apologized to her.

The NBA star admitted to having sex with the woman, but argued that it was consensual.