FURIOUS

Kobe’s Widow Accuses Nike of Releasing Unauthorized Sneaker Honoring Daughter

Vanessa Bryant says she dropped plans for the shoe when she didn’t re-sign her husband’s contract with Nike.

Kobe Bryant’s widow is accusing Nike of releasing an unauthorized shoe engraved with her late daughter’s name. Vanessa Bryant said in a social media post that she was working with the sneaker giant on Mambacita kicks that would honor Gianna, who died in a helicopter crash with her father last year. But Vanessa Bryant claims any deal to sell them ended when she decided not to re-sign Kobe’s contract with Nike. She’s furious that a photo of someone with the sneaker, which features “Gigi” and the number 2 in gold, surfaced before she even saw the model. CNBC reports that Nike did not respond to requests for comment on Bryant’s allegation.