Mario Lopez Faces Backlash Over Kobe Bryant Meme: ‘Too Soon!’
By Whitney Vasquez on January 31, 2020 at 5:17 AM EST
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Mario Lopez is getting slammed after he shared a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant that some have labeled “tasteless” and “too soon.” The “Access Hollywood” host shared a meme on social media Thursday that showed the Lakers legend giving a not impressed face. The caption insinuated Kobe Bryant is laughing from Heaven at people who are mourning his death and instead of crying over the loss, he’d want them to get in the gym. The photo shows Kobe Bryant during an NBA game where he clearly does not agree with whatever call was just made.
The caption above the photo reads, “Kobe probably in heaven looking down at us like, ‘You over there crying but you need to be in the gym puttin in work.” Fans didn’t know how to take it and had mixed reactions. Several were offended and called out Mario Lopez stating it’s “too soon” for jokes. Others sang the TV host’s praises saying this was the “best meme” they’ve ever seen. “Tooooo… Soon!” one person stated to which someone else responded, “AGREED!” When a fan insisted, “Its [sic] not the time to joke around,” another clapped back, “What are we gonna do? Sit here and mourn forever? Hard work is what this man was all about. People are inspired by his mentality which is why this was posted.”
But not everyone agreed because someone responded to that comment, “Probably too early. I'm sure his family aren't finding any humor in this yet or ever.” A fourth person wrote, “this is not funny at all.” Mario Lopez’s post got a 50/50 reaction with many stating that Kobe Bryant’s death had inspired them to work harder in the gym then they ever have before. “This is why I showed up to the gym at 6am today,” a follower commented. “I’ma start tomorrow. I was traumatized but I know he would want us to continue with life and he great!!!” added another. “Knowing Kobe’s work ethic he is probably working OT to become the best angel on the team,” stated a third.
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Mario Lopez isn’t the only celebrity getting heat for their tribute posts. “90210” star Brian Austin Green caught major flak after he shared a photo of the helicopter crash scene where Kobe Bryant and 8 other passengers including his 13-year-old daughter lost their lives. In the blurry picture, there are firefighters on the scene as smoke can still be viewed coming from the smashed helicopter. Fans immediately filled up his comments stating his post was “insensitive” and “disgusting”. Brian Austin Green has since deleted the post but has not apologized over the issue.
