A viral Facebook post falsely claims that Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, shared the same birthday. The post published shortly after the news that Bryant, his daughter, and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash in California Jan. 26.
“Heartbreaking,” says text in the photo, along with dates denoting their birth and death, “Kobe Bryant 8.23.1978—1.26.2020. Gianna Bryant 8.23.2006—1.26.2020.”
The post features an image of Bryant smiling while looking down at and hugging his daughter. She’s looking up at him and has an arm around his neck.
“Omg they shared the same birthdays and home going,” said caption for the photo.
This post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.)
The post has the right information for the former Los Angeles Lakers basketball player. But it has the wrong birthday for his daughter, Gianna. She was born May 1, 2006.
“Happy 13th birthday my Gigi! I love you beyond measure baby #teen #daddysgirl #tauro #mambacita,” Bryant posted on Instagram, May 1, 2019.
Both father and daughter died the same day, but they were not both born on Aug. 23.
We rate the post False.
Truth-o-meter Ruling
IF YOUR TIME IS SHORT
- Facebook post has correct information for Kobe Bryant, but incorrect birthday for his daughter, Gianna.
Statement
Says Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, were both born Aug. 23.
Context
a Facebook postSpeaker/Target
Statement Date
Our Sources
Facebook post, Jan. 27, 2020
NBA stats on Kobe Bryant, accessed Jan. 27, 2020
Instagram, Kobe Bryant post, May 1, 2019
Translations
Language: en