Note: This segment originally aired on Insight's podcast on Feb. 3, 2020. It has been updated for rebroadcast on Feb. 5, 2020.
Just over a week ago, there was a tragic helicopter crash. It turned out, there was a famous retired athlete on board: Kobe Bryant. His daughter Gianna Bryant was on the flight, too, as were six others, plus the pilot, heading to a basketball tournament.
The news was shocking. The response has been universal, crossing lines that usually separate people. Bryant was raising mixed race daughters and was embraced by Latinos — especially in LA. Gustavo Arellano is a life-long Southern Californian, author and observer. In a recent piece, he reflects on the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant, especially his relationship with Latinos.
The reflection on Bryant's legacy has also been a complicated experience for some sexual assault survivors. Bryant was arrested and accused of rape in 2003. He denied the allegation, saying the encounter was consensual, but acknowledged that the woman felt differently. The charges were dropped after the woman declined to testify. The LA Times took a look at this in a story published Tuesday, which has drawn intense reaction on social media.
Guests
- LA Times features writer Gustavo Arellano
More on Latinos' response to Bryant's death
- Kobe Bryant: Kinship with Latinos, art in his honor — KCRW's Greater LA podcast
- Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna depicted in stunning new mural by Fresno artist — ABC7
- ‘El Corrido de Kobe Bryant’ is here to soothe the paisa soul of Los Angeles — L.A. Taco
- Latinos mourn Kobe Bryant, who he said were first to embrace him in Los Angeles — NBC News
- In Los Angeles, Latinos are mourning Kobe Bryant as a ‘Compa’ — New York Times
- ‘He is L.A.’: Artist paints Studio City mural of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna as a place to reminisce — KTLA