Rob Schneider has sparked backlash for his "vile" response to Dikembe Mutombo’s death.
The NBA legend, whose towering presence dominated opponents on the basketball court, sadly passed away at the age of 58.
The 7-foot-2 center spent 18 years playing in the league for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets before retiring in 2009.
Mutombo tragically died following a battle with brain cancer - which he went public with back in 2022. He was reportedly surrounded by loved ones before his death.
Actor Rob Schneider, best known for starring in Grown Ups, decided to pay tribute to the late athlete by quoting a 2021 video of the basketballer urging people to get the vaccine during the pandemic.
"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 60-year-old wrote on X. Check out the tweet below:
The actor was immediately slammed for his insensitive post - with many users correcting him on the cause of Mutombo's death.
"Rob Schneider is vile. The man had cancer," one user criticized, while another blasted: "I'm ashamed to say I enjoyed your movies as a kid. Absolutely disgusting."
A third slammed: "If you’re so dedicated to spouting ignorant pseudoscience in the name of 'politic' you post this after the death of a beloved humanitarian who changed countless lives for the better & spent his life doing good, you’re too far gone to even be hated. All that’s left is to go away."
A fourth added: "It is so crazy to see someone you once admired become a full blown s*** bag."
Mutombo’s heartbreaking death was announced in a touching tribute statement shared by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, which read: "Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life."
"On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others," he continued. "There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA's first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core."
Silver continued to honor the late star's humanitarian work, writing: "He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa."
"I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people," Silver said. "He was always accessible at NBA events over the years - with his infectious smile, deep booming voice, and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation."
"Dikembe's indomitable spirit continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe's big heart and I will miss him dearly," he concluded.
Mutombo is survived by his wife Rose and three children: Carrie, JJ, and Ryan.
Our thoughts continue to be with his loved ones.
