‘Bachelor’ Fans Get Emotional Over ‘Kobe’ Reference in Episode

Kobe Bryant The Bachelor
ABC; Kevin Winter/Getty Images

January 27’s episode of The Bachelor was all about the drama between the women (and country singer Chase Rice), but it also included a surprising and touching reference to the late Kobe Bryant, who tragically passed away in a helicopter accident the day prior on January 26.

As the credits for the episode rolled, viewers saw Victoria Fuller and Peter Weber playing a little basketball during their one-on-one date at Cedar Point. While taking a shot, Victoria yelled “Kobe!”, a popular shoutout people yell before trying to make a difficult shot.

This episode was obviously filmed months ago, but the moment hit especially close to home for viewers as it aired just one day after the basketball legend died along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other people.

Many fans took to Twitter to comment on the moment, with one person writing, “Victoria yelling ‘Kobe’ at the end just gave me chills… this was filmed months ago.”

Though the episode was difficult for Victoria F. — as she came face-to-face with her ex-fling — it’s fitting the show was able to pay homage to Bryant the best way possible, by shooting some hoops and having fun.

The Bachelor, Mondays, 8/7c, ABC