"No wonder your daughter hates you" — Internet slams Rob Schneider for insinuating Dikembe Mutombo died of COVID vaccine

Michigan v Northwestern - Source: Getty
Dikembe Mutombo passed away on Monday, (Image via Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Congolese-American professional basketball player Dikembe Mutombo passed away on September 30, 2024 at the age of 58. Meanwhile, actor and comedian Rob Schneider has passed a remark that has brought him under massive scrutiny.

On September 30, Schneider shared a video of Mutombo urging people to get vaccinated amid the COVID-19 crisis. The late basketball player uploaded the video on X in December 2021. In the video, he was heard saying:

"The world is not as safe as it was yesterday. A lot of things are changing. The only way we can move on to be healthy is by being vaccinated. We need to help each other, make sure each one of us understands the importance of vaccine."

Further in the video, Dikembe Mutombo urged people to stay clean, wash their hands, and wear masks to be safe during the pandemic. As for Rob Schneider's controversial remark, he posted a caption along with the Mutombo's clip. The caption read:

"Rest in Peace… I’m sure this is just (another) coincidence. But I took a pass on the Jab and I’m gonna not let anyone I know (and who will Listen) get it either!"

The statement didn't sit right with netizens since the actor seemingly insinuated that it was the vaccine that possibly became fatal for Mutombo. Here are some of the popular responses found on X, formerly known as Twitter:

A netizen tweeted:

"He had brain cancer you absolute imbecile."
"No wonder your daughter wants nothing to do with you," commented another user.
"Taking someone's death to make it about this anti vaxx sh*t again," added a tweet.

Schneider got severely bashed on the internet, due to his comment about the late basketball player. One user wrote:

"Bro just stop with the propaganda. Its old."
"You and Brand, the newest MAGA christians doing what you can to grift Qanon," declared another user.
"Got mine, and every one after that. I'm fine, haven't died yet man," explained a netizen.

Everything to know about Dikembe Mutombo following his death at 58

Born in 1966 in Kinshasa, Mutombo has been known as one of the best shot-blockers and defensive players. Dikembe Mutombo initially planned to become a doctor before he was approached by John Thompson to play basketball.

His professional journey as a basketball player began in 1991, when he was chosen in the Denver Nuggets. After playing for the team till 1996, he signed with Atlanta Hawks, where he stayed till 2001. Then from 2001 to 2002, he played for Philadelphia 76ers.

From 2002 till 2003, Dikembe Mutombo was in New Jersey Nets. New York Knicks selected him and he played for them from 2003 to 2004. In April 2009, he announced his retirement after playing for Houston Rockets 2004 onwards.

The player reportedly was suffering from brain cancer and his treatment for the tumor began in October 2022. The National Basketball Association confirmed that brain cancer was the cause of death. Many expressed condolences after the demise of Mutombo.

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Edited by Udisha
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