Kobe Bryant Removed from Animated Film Festival Jury over 2003 Rape Case

The Animation is Film Festival announced Wednesday that Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was removed from its jury for this weekend's event at the TCL Chinese Theatres in L.A. because of a petition related to a 2003 rape allegation.

TMZ Sports reported the Change.org petition received 159 signatures, which was enough for founder Eric Beckman to end Bryant's association with the event.

"After discussions with the various stakeholders of Animation Is Film, the decision has been made to remove Kobe Bryant from the 2018 jury," Beckman said.

In July 2003, Bryant was arrested by the Eagle Police Department in Colorado and charged with felony sexual assault after a 19-year-old hotel employee alleged she was raped by the then-24-year-old NBA player.

The case was dropped in September 2004 after the woman refused to testify. Bryant, now 40, had maintained it was a consensual encounter but issued a statement of apology when the criminal case ended:

"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. 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. I issue this statement today fully aware that while one part of this case ends today, another remains. I understand that the civil case against me will go forward."

The civil case was "resolved to the satisfaction of both parties" in March 2005. Terms of the settlement, which included a confidentiality agreement, were not publicly announced.

Bryant continued his NBA career following the allegation and retired in 2016 after a 20-year NBA career.

He's since shifted his focus to Hollywood, highlighted by winning an Oscar for his short film, Dear Basketball, at the 90th Academy Awards in March.