Readers React: Kobe Bryant deserves his Oscar — regardless of his past misdeeds

To the editor: Yes, Roman Polanski is a convicted sex offender, and he won a best director Oscar for “The Pianist” — and rightly so. (“Hollywood’s moral confusion: They kicked Harvey out, then nominated Kobe for an Oscar,” March 3)

Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences judged “The Pianist” based on the film’s merit, just as I hope they do with other films going forward. Were I to follow Los Angeles Times columnist Robin Abcarian’s logic, the academy should consider the past behavior of the artist prior to considering the merit of the work.

Retired Lakers star Kobe Bryant won an Oscar, and I cheer him, just as anyone should based on the merits of his work.

David Strauss, Arcadia

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To the editor: I’m sure that most people agree that Hollywood’s hypocrisy (not moral confusion) is offensive. However, the media, especially the movie critics, should be included in that category.

Abcarian writes about Kobe Bryant, Roman Polanski and Hollywood’s “state of moral confusion.” How about writing now about those beloved movie directors who have gained fame and fortune with some of the most violent and admired movies ever made?

The newest Bruce Willis film, a remake of “Death Wish,” has been savaged by critics for its gun violence in the wake of the Parkland, Fla., tragedy. But those same critics who now pretend to be so righteous are fans of Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino and James Cameron, three of the most “adored” directors who also make violent movies.

Hypocrisy, not moral confusion, abounds in Hollywood and the media.

Raul De Cardenas, Los Angeles

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To the editor: Abcarian asks a very insightful question: “Why are the sexual misdeeds of some men forgiven, while others are not?”

In the case of the narcissistic, self-indulgent Hollywood elites, the answer is straightforward. Bryant was nominated for and won an Oscar because his victim was not a member of their tribe.

John Kelley, Georgetown, Texas

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