The Southern California wildfires have left a deep scar on Los Angeles, turning neighborhoods into ash and displacing countless families. The tragedy hit home for many, including Vanessa Bryant, who grew up in LA and remains deeply connected to the city. While the ‘City of Angels’ struggles to rise from the rubble, Vanessa, the wife of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, has stepped up in a heartwarming yet controversial way.

At least, it’s controversial according to many “fans”.

Vanessa Bryant, wearing a red Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation sweatshirt, handed out sneakers to wildfire victims. The devastating blazes have left Angelenos in need of support, and Vanessa’s efforts at the local ballpark gave some a reason to smile.

Vanessa recently shared her heartbreak over the fires, confessing that one of the wildfires began on a street where she and Kobe once lived. “We have so many beautiful memories from living in L.A.,” she wrote on Instagram. “My heart and prayers go out to everyone in LA who are affected by the fires. We love you, L.A.”

Despite her good intentions, not everyone has embraced Vanessa’s efforts. While she smiled warmly at those who visited her camp, some fans have voiced their frustration, accusing her of doing too little during such a massive crisis.

Fans split over Vanessa Bryant’s wildfire relief efforts

As Vanessa Bryant’s recent wildfire relief effort grabbed headlines, the internet was quick to share its thoughts—and not all were kind. Many fans expressed frustration, feeling her contributions didn’t match the scale of the tragedy. One comment read, “Imagine losing your home and getting gifted some shoes…😭 Don’t even got a closet to keep them in😂.”

Top Comment by KimC

These families just lost everything, even their shoes. There have been interviews with people wearing nothing but donated items. Getting...more

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Debate

With more than 10,000 homes destroyed and 27 lives lost, critics were vocal about what they saw as a misplaced gesture. And more than 30 people are still missing (at the time of writing). Another unimpressed fan asked, “Where will they put them?”

Some fans took things a step further, calling the gift of shoes outright impractical. One quipped, “They’re going to be sold online in about a week… 🤦,” while another echoed, “Damn, unfortunately, these are going straight to eBay.”

On the flip side, supporters pointed out that even if sold, the high resale value of Kobe Bryant sneakers could provide financial aid to victims. With some Kobe shoes priced at $150 or more, the possibility of resale gave her critics something to think about.

However, many fans still do not align with the idea. “Sorry your house burned down, here’s some shoes though!” one fan wrote.

However, Vanessa’s charitable contributions go beyond the recent effort. In 2022, after receiving a combined $16 million in settlements from LA County, her lawyer confirmed she would donate the money to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, emphasizing her long-term commitment to giving back.

Not everyone was entirely negative, though. One person summed it up, writing,

For years, Vanessa and Kobe Bryant supported causes close to their hearts through The Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF). Whether it was donating $75,000 for underserved medical care or hosting celebrations for homeless families, their efforts have always aimed to uplift LA’s most vulnerable.

While critics remain loud, Vanessa’s charitable history suggests her heart is in the right place. What do you think?