Vanessa Bryant has addressed recent online speculation regarding her alleged pregnancy by sharing a pointed meme on Instagram. The post featured Rihanna flipping her middle finger with the caption: “Me protecting my peace, not pregnant, and having fun all summer.” While Bryant did not issue a formal statement, the meme clearly served as a response to the widespread rumors circulating across social media platforms.

These rumors, which began circulating in late May 2025, claimed Bryant was expecting a child with a 27-year-old NBA player—an unverified narrative that quickly gained traction online. Users on platforms like TikTok and Facebook spread old photos they claimed showed a baby bump, along with commentary questioning her loyalty to her late husband, NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

However, many fans and social media users came to Bryant’s defense. Supporters emphasized that Vanessa has remained respectful to Kobe’s legacy since his passing in 2020 and noted that five years is a reasonable period to begin healing. Several online posts pointed out the double standards often placed on women, especially widows, when it comes to moving forward with their lives.

Vanessa Bryant, 42, is the mother of four children and leads the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. She met Kobe in 1999 and married him in 2001. The couple had four daughters, including Gianna, who tragically passed away alongside Kobe in a helicopter crash in 2020.

Despite frequent public scrutiny, Vanessa has largely remained private, focusing on her family and philanthropic work. Her recent Instagram post serves as a succinct yet powerful dismissal of the rumors, reinforcing her commitment to living life on her own terms.