Kobe Bryant's accuser is a troubled young woman who was seeking attention from her ex-boyfriend by accusing the star athlete of rape, defense lawyers said in new court filings.
In motions released Monday, Bryant's lawyers also asked a judge to throw out much of the evidence against him and to disregard the state's rape shield law, which limits what defense lawyers can ask about an alleged rape victim.
Evidence the defense seeks to bar includes an interview of Bryant secretly taped by investigators and a T-shirt he was wearing the night he allegedly assaulted the 19-year-old concierge at an exclusive resort. Investigators say the woman's blood was found on the shirt.
Bryant is charged with sexual assault. He has said he and the woman had consensual sex.
Seventeen motions filed by the defense and prosecutors were released Monday. It wasn't immediately clear whether the judge would consider any of them at a hearing scheduled Friday. Another hearing is scheduled Jan. 23.
Bryant's attorneys argued that the state's rape shield law violates his rights.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
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