Bryant and Wife at Awards Show

Facing a sexual assault charge, Laker star Kobe Bryant put in a surprise appearance at Saturday’s Teen Choice Awards at Universal City with his wife Vanessa.

Bryant had attended the show in recent years but was not expected at this year’s event after being charged with sexual assault of a 19-year-old hotel worker in Colorado.

Surrounded by security and with his wife by his side, Bryant flashed a peace sign as fans chanted his name.

He posed on the red carpet for photographers but did not talk to reporters before going into the show, where he received an award as top male athlete.

The awards show will be aired Wednesday, the same day Bryant is to appear in a Colorado courtroom.

Times news services