Vanessa Bryant, the widow of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, was understandably upset when she heard a new song from rapper Meek Mill.
A recently released track entitled “Don’t Worry” includes what Vanessa felt are “insensitive and disrespectful” lyrics about her late husband. In that song, Meek Mill references the January 2020 helicopter crash that claimed the lives nine people, including Kobe, 41, and the couple’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.
MORE: NTSB faults pilot in fatal crash that killed Kobe, Gianna
On “Don’t Worry,” Meek Mill raps the following lyrics, according to multiple reports:
This b— I’m f—in’ always tell me that she love me / But she ain’t ever showed me / Yeah, and if I ever lack, I’m goin’ out with my chopper / It be another Kobe
In a statement posted on her Instagram story Monday night, Vanessa strongly objected to Meek Mill’s use of Kobe’s name.
“Dear [Meek Mill], I find this line to be extremely insensitive and disrespectful. Period,” Vanessa said. “I am not familiar with any of your music, but I believe you can do better than this. If you are a fan, fine, there’s a better way to show your admiration for my husband. This lacks respect and tact.”
After initially defending himself from online criticism after the leak of the song, Meek Mill tweeted early Tuesday morning that he had apologized to Vanessa.
I apologized to her in private earlier today not to the public…Nothing I say on my page directed to a internet viral moment or the family of a grieving woman! If you care about someone grieving change the subject!
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) February 23, 2021