Actress Evan Rachel Wood Faces Backlash for Calling Kobe Bryant a ‘Rapist’ Hours After His Death

Activist actress Evan Rachel Wood faced a backlash on Monday, after calling Kobe Bryant a “rapist” in the hours after the NBA star tragically died in a helicopter crash.

Wood was lambasted by fans who were aghast that she would bring up past accusations of rape lodged against the player just as the nation tries to come to terms with his death.

“What has happened is tragic. I am heartbroken for Kobe’s family. He was a sports hero. He was also a rapist. And all of these truths can exist simultaneously,” Wood tweeted Sunday only hours after the media reported the player’s death.

The Westworld star was alluding to the accusation of rape that was pressed against Bryant 17 years ago.

Back in 2003, the NBA superstar was accused of rape by a 19-year-old hotel employee who said Bryant sexually assaulted her at The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Colorado. Bryant ultimately faced no prosecution when the case was dropped because police found the DNA of another man in the accuser’s underwear. A civil case dragged on until 2005 when the player settled for an undisclosed amount.

But fans were incensed that Wood used her note about the player’s death to dredge up the accusations against him. The liberal actress’s Twitter feed bristled with condemnation.

Luigi Mangione update: Suspected murder weapon admissible at trial in state case, other evidence suppressed

11 National Park Service workers evacuated by helicopter amid California fire

How Chinese EVs Coming from Canada May Impact US National Security

Scandal-Ridden Hospital to Open First US ‘Detransition’ Clinic in Historic Legal Settlement

‘Backyard brawl’ ignites as West Virginia’s Morrisey moves to poach blue state rival Spanberger’s jobs

Cassidy primary defeat is a ‘loss for the country,’ Romney says

Josh Shapiro tests political clout in Pennsylvania primary

Arkansas man allegedly threatened Walmart mass shooting over hantavirus lockdown fears, authorities say

Austin police arrest 2 juveniles allegedly linked to 12 random shootings injuring 4 people

Trump reads Bible as thousands pack National Mall for America 250 prayer rally

Attorney for man accused of throwing rock at endangered Hawaiian monk seal says client was protecting turtles

Faith and government leaders celebrate US as ‘One Nation Under God’ at Rededicate 250

Sean Spicer-linked group makes case for Trump to seniors before midterm elections

Two Navy jets crash midair as crew successfully ejects during Idaho military base air show

Blue State May Have Slipped Up While Defending Its Ammo Ban

In fact, the condemnation became so heavy, by Monday afternoon Wood put her account on “protected” status so that people not already followed by the actress can no longer see them.

Despite, the move to hide her tweets, multiple outlets had already reported on the opposition she faced over her tweet.

Page Six, for instance, noted that Twitter user Catherine (Kathleen) Curtin scolded the actress, writing, “And this is where the MeToo movement has gotten out of control… attacking a man who literally just died less than 24 hours ago, with his little girl!”

Twitter user Wes Hatton, accused Wood of turning #MeToo into a joke, adding, “These things need to be taken seriously and your [sic] just looking for attention after him, and his daughter JUST died. Wow.”

Actress Kyla Pratt noted that she loves Wood’s work but slammed her for the tweet. “But this tweet? How f–king dare you?” she wrote.

For her part, Wood tried to take a step back and explain her original message

“Beloveds,” she wrote in explanation, “this was not a condemnation or a celebration. It was a reminder that everyone will have different feelings, and there is room for us all to grieve together instead of fighting, everyone has lost.”