Free Brittney Griner: Celebrities Support WNBA Star Held In Russia Ahead Of Trial

For the benefit of folks with little or no knowledge of who Brittney Griner is, Brittney is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Earlier this year, on Feb 17, 2022, Brittney was detained in Russia by the Russian Federal Customs Service for allegedly having in her possession vape cartridges containing hashish oil, a banned substance in Russia, in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow. Brittney’s arrest came barely a week before Russia and Ukraine had their crisis, she was in Russia to play for an international team during the WNBA’s off-season when she was arrested.

Brittney is being charged with large-scale transportation of drugs (again, she had vape cartridges in her luggage) and if convicted will likely face ten years in prison.

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In May, the U.S. state department classified Brittney as being “wrongfully detained,” meaning it would work more aggressively in securing her release. The Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, essential the U.S.’s chief hostage negotiator, is on the case.

Brittney Griner — Celebrities That Join Echo Her Freedom

Since her initial arrest, Brittney’s detainment has been extended multiple times, with a June hearing adding six more months to her stay in the country. For this reason, the following stars have voiced their support for her release; LeBron James, Lisa Rinna, and Amy Schumer were some of the first big-name celebrities calling on the United States to do something to free Brittney.

On June 5, LeBron James took to Twitter to tweet his support for Brittney on behalf of his company, Uninterrupted.

“For over 100 days, BG has faced inhumane conditions in a Russian prison and has been denied communications with her family and loved ones. As a decorated Olympian and member of an elite global sports community, BG’s detention must be resolved out of respect for the sanctity of all sport and for all Americans traveling internationally,” he wrote.

“It is imperative that the U.S. Government immediately address this human rights issue and do whatever is necessary to return Brittney home,” he added. “Join us in demanding that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris bring Brittney home swiftly and safely by taking action today,” he continued, sharing a Change.org petition to “Secure Brittney Griner’s Swift and Safe Return to the U​.​S.”

Kerry Washington: “The world needs to be talking about #BrittneyGriner,” Kerry Washington tweeted on June 30. “Action NEEDS to be taken.”

Amy Schumer: “Let’s go, everybody. This is not okay. #freebrittneygriner now. All hands on deck. Make some noise,” wrote Amy with a screenshot of the photos of Brittney that were published in June. The pictures showed a wide-eyed Brittney being escorted by Russian police.

Lisa Rinna: Reposting Amy Schumer’s June 30 IG post in support of #FreeBrittneyGriner, Real Housewives star Lisa Rinna added her voice to the many supporting the WBNA star’s rescue. “Yes!!!!!” wrote Lisa. “We need to get her out of there, stat!!!!!!”

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— CelebratingTheSoaps (@celebratesoaps) June 30, 2022

Brittney Griner — How Brittney’s Wife Feels About The Whole Issue

At first, her family and friends chose to keep it from the public with the intention of resolving the issue quietly but as it is now, their hope for a peaceful resolution is not holding water hence the public awareness and the #Free Brittney movement.

During an interview that took place in May, Brittney’s wife, Cherelle Griner, broke her silence on the matter saying that it’s entirely up to the President to bring Brittney out.

“There is one person that can go get her, and that’s our President [Joe Biden],” she said in a tearful chat. “He has that power. I’m just like, ‘Why are we not using it? Like, urgently, use it.’ We’re expecting him to use his power to get it done.” In a second interview with Good Morning America, Cherelle echoed her sentiments. “I just keep hearing that, you know, he has the power. She’s a political pawn. So if they’re holding her because they want you to do something, then I want you to do it,” she said.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Brittney Griner right now. Come back here often for all the Brittney Griner’s spoilers, news, and updates.

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