Evan Rachel Wood Ignites Major Outrage After Kobe Comments

Evan Rachel Wood is facing criticism regarding comments she made following the death of Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash that also killed his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, as well as seven other people. While many celebrities have reacted to the news by expressing their shock, grief, and condolences, the Westworld actress instead brought up the former NBA star's controversial past.

"He was a sports hero. He was also a rapist," Wood wrote in a now-deleted tweet (via Page Six), adding, "these truths can exist simultaneously."

Wood was referring to the sexual assault allegation Bryant faced in 2003 "when he was arrested on felony ... charges in Colorado," according to the New York Post. While he initially admitted to "making a mistake of adultery" and the charges were dropped against him when the accuser decided not to testify, Bryant later made an apology as a part of a civil case settlement and seemed to accept his role in what happened.

"Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did," Bryant said in a statement. "After months of reviewing discovery, listening to her attorney, and even her testimony in person, I now understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter."

However, the fact that Bryant took responsibility for his actions didn't stop people from feeling like the first days after his death was not the right time to bring it up.

Evan Rachel Wood faced fierce backlash for her Kobe Bryant comment

Whether or not Evan Rachel Wood had a valid point when she brought up Kobe Bryant's past sexual assault allegation, many critics thought it wasn't right to bring it up immediately following his death and the passing of his daughter, Gianna. 

"[T]his is where the Me too movement has gotten out of control," one person wrote while replying to Wood's tweet (via Page Six). "[A]ttacking a man who literally just died less than 24 hours ago, with his little girl!"

Another person felt similarly, writing, "#KobeBryant and his daughter lost [their lives]. His wife and kids are now suffering their los[s] but people like Evan Rachel Wood with lack of compassion cant keep their mouth shut and respect."

Others felt like Wood's take on Bryant's situation was hypocritical considering she's worked with Woody Allen, someone who's also been accused of sexual assault.

Even those in the business weren't impressed, with actress Kyla Pratt tweeting, "Evan. We met as kids & I grew up in the same industry [as] you and have admired your work from afar these past few years. On camera and off. But this tweet? How f***ing dare you?"

While they certainly didn't agree with Wood's post, others were behind her message.

Evan Rachel Wood also received support

Not everyone had problems with Evan Rachel Wood's statement about Kobe Bryant following his passing. In fact, some people agreed with her message and came out in support of the star.

"She made a statement that is factual and sound. I stand behind her. She stands for sexual abuse, misunderstood and confused victims of assault on all sides (sexual, psychological, and emotional) and women," one social media user posted to Twitter. "I am not one to speak out unless I feel strongly and feel that I have the confidence and preparation to speak my mind. To the point, Ms. [Evan Rachel Wood] ... is completely sound and has the right to speak her mind."

Some were even grateful for what Wood had shared. "She voiced my thoughts when I heard the news," another person wrote on Twitter. "As a survivor who had to watch other people express sorrow when my rapist died, while all I could feel was relief and then guilt for that, Evan spoke for me. And I appreciate it."

These mixed feelings about Wood's tweet are what sparked her honest response, which, frankly, stirred up even more backlash.

Evan Rachel Wood says 'there is room ... to grieve together'

Following the social media storm that Evan Rachel Wood stirred up with her tweet about Kobe Bryant, she took to social media again to write another tweet — that's also since been deleted — to ask for "kindness and respect to all," according to Page Six.

"Beloveds, this was not a condemnation or a celebration," Wood reportedly tweeted. "It was a reminder that everyone will have different feelings and there is room for us all to grieve together instead of fighting." The actress also explained that "everyone has lost."

That may be true, but the statement still didn't earn Wood any sympathy from her critics. One Twitter user criticized Wood's attempt to calm the situation by telling the star, "You don't get to cover that bulls*** you did with third rate greeting card platitudes. It's like y'all have a compulsion to shoehorn yourselves into other people's pain and [then run] back to victimhood when checked."

Another Twitter user called out Wood for her arguably problematic behavior, writing, "Hollywood hypocrites have an incessant need to lecture the rest of us on morality."

Wood has now locked down her Twitter account and made it private, which may mean that she's done with this debate.