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Vanessa Bryant fans slam trolls for fat-shaming her at NBA All-Star Game: 'When will we learn?'

The widow of the late NBA icon was seen in a long black coat styled with a sweater top, pants, and pointy-toed boots at the NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland

Vanessa Bryant’s fans have slammed trolls who commented on her weight as she went to the NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland to present the Kobe and Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award. The widow of the late NBA icon was seen in a long black coat styled with a sweater top, pants, and pointy-toed boots. She kept her hair open and parted.

At the annual event, the 39-year-old posed with veteran player Chris Paul, his nine-year-old daughter Cameron, and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, 58, on the floor as the awards were given. The 12-time All-Star was reportedly honored with the award “for his significant contributions to the advancement of girls' and women's basketball, and advocacy for the WNBA.”

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The WNBA also mentioned the honor “highlights Kobe's legacy as a coach and mentor and Gigi's inspirational, relentless commitment to playing at the highest levels of the game. Gigi, a happy, loving and competitive young lady, wanted to pursue her dreams of one day playing in the WNBA and continuing her father's legacy while elevating women in sports. Gigi loved the game of basketball and aspired to reach the pinnacle of the sport like her father.”

Speaking about Paul being honored with the award, Engelbert noted, “I have seen first-hand Chris' appreciation of the WNBA and the game at every level for women and girls, especially in Phoenix and North Carolina, and his ardent support of our game strongly reflects the legacy of Kobe and Gigi. The league is proud to name Chris as the inaugural recipient of the Kobe & Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award, as he serves as a leader and role model for other professional athletes around growing the future of the game for young girls and all fans.”

And though the event was all about awards and happy ceremonies, there were some sick people who were more worried about Vanessa’s weight. One such person tweeted, “Vanessa pregnant or something? Coat looks weird af.” Another one commented, “Just looks like she put on a lot of weight. Prob from depression :(.” “that better be kobe's baby,” an inappropriate tweet read.

Soon several people started sharing tweets supporting the mother-of-four and criticizing the trolls. A fan said, “I think Vanessa Bryant looks good. No idea why the Internet needs to comment on her weight or if she’s pregnant.” Another fan commented, “Vanessa Bryant had the unthinkable happen to her. Lost her baby and her husband all while she probably still wasn’t well adjusted postpartum and internet people are commenting on her weight. When will we learn?”

A tweet read, “Folks are really out here out here body shaming #VanessaBryant? The woman lost Gigi & Kobe at the same time. Nobody knows shit about how she grieves. If she picked up weight, ok. It happens. Doesn’t mean she’s pregnant. Y’all goofy’s on these apps make me fucking sick.” “I don’t understand people! People take stress differently. Vanessa Bryant looks amazing showing up ANYWHERE, especially basketball events considering how triggering it can be. She lost her husband, daughter, and family dog. anyone who’s mentioning her weight shame on you!” another tweet added.