“Arrest her at once”: Kobe Bryant ‘blackface’ recreation by TikToker leaves the internet divided
Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA. Unfortunately, the LA Lakers legend tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020.
Many basketball fans will never forget Bryant, as his impact on the league was massive. Many have also made tributes for the five-time NBA champion, although one TikTok user may have gone too far.
TikToker easy_baobo, who's a makeup expert, has recently recreated Kobe Bryant's face. While this took a lot of time and effort, many basketball fans are offended and some have even called it "blackface."
Kobe Bryant's face recreation has been met with a lot of criticism
The TikTok user has posted around 20 videos showing her makeup transformations. Kobe Bryant is not the only celebrity whose face she's recreated, although this video has received the most attention and views.
While all of her other videos have received a few thousand views, the recreation of the basketball legend has received nearly 200,000 views. The video has more views than all of her other videos combined, but she was criticized for it.
Woman disturbingly recreates Kobe Bryant people are calling it “blackface” https://t.co/OiXGkXX2H6
Many social media users called the TikToker out, saying that what she created is blackface.
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Blackface is a form of makeup that is used to portray Black people. It is mostly used by non-Black people and in theatrical plays and skits. However, this form of makeup is deeply rooted in racism, which is why it's not acceptable.
@DailyLoud It’s absolutely blackface come on
@DailyLoud they are calling it blackface because it is literally blackface
Some users have even called for her arrest!
@DailyLoud Arrest her at once
Others, however, believe that the TikTok users had no ill intentions.
@DailyLoud Well I don’t think she had any ill intentions…
Some Twitter users don't see anything wrong with it, but believe that the page that posted the video is simply race-baiting.
@DailyLoud Why is it disturbing?
Stop racebaiting.
While controversial, the makeup recreation of the LA Lakers legend took a lot of time and effort, which is why many users have praised it.
@DailyLoud not blackface just pure talent imo 😰
@DailyLoud I’m not going to lie, that’s a pretty decent Kobe..🤷🏽♂️
@DailyLoud I appreciate the artwork and attention to detail. Very talented.
Others haven't had such positive things to say as they believe that the video is simply racist.
@DailyLoud This is just pure racism 🤦♂️
Some NBA fans think that the TikTok user simply paid tribute to one of the best basketball players of all time.
@DailyLoud I need y’all to relax….. This is art not blackface. No mockery or anything of that sort. Just paying homage to a legend.
Considering how much criticism the TikToker has received for recreating Kobe Bryant's face, it won't be surprising if she takes the video down.
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However, her video is going viral on Twitter and will likely get millions of views, which could also positively impact her TikTok profile. As of May 23, easy_baobo has only 452 followers, but this may change soon.