MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

'This is WILD': Justin Bieber, Jada Pinkett Smith, 50 Cent condemn Brittney Griner’s 9-year jail term in Russia

In an official statement, President Joe Biden denounced the sentence and claimed she was 'wrongfully detained'

Hollywood celebrities expressed their displeasure after WNBA star Brittney Griner was sentenced to a nine-year jail term in Russia. The 31-year-old professional basketball player was found guilty of drug smuggling on Thursday, August 4, by a judge.
 
The blow came after Brittney Griner admitted possessing cannabis oil, but told the court she made an "honest mistake". According to the Daily Mail, the court near Moscow convicted the basketball star of smuggling and possessing narcotics. Griner was reportedly heard saying, “I love my family” as she was escorted out of the courtroom. President Joe Biden released an official statement on the situation whereas, stars like Justin Bieber, rapper 50 Cent, Viola Davis, and Jada Pinkett Smith among others took the help of their socials to voice their opinion.

READ MORE
Brittney Griner's wife Cherelle 'distraught' after BLUNDER botches call to WNBA star in Russia

6-foot-9 Brittney Griner forced in 'VERY SMALL CAGE' for five-hour, round-trip drive to court

'Wrongfully detained'

In an official statement, Biden denounced the sentence and claimed she was “wrongfully detained.” “Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates,” said Biden, adding, “My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”    

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber, who has garnered more than 250 million followers on Instagram was willing to help Griner in any way possible. He took to his Instagram stories saying, “T his Hurts” adding, “If anyone knows of anyway I can help please let me know."  

Viola Davis

Viola Davis too seemed devastated over Brittney Griner getting jailed for nine years. On Instagram with close to 10 million followers she shared a reel of Griner’s sentence with the caption, “No words” along with a heart-breaking emoticon.    

Jada Pinkett Smith

‘Red Table Talk’ host Jada Pinkett Smith took to Instagram to point out that Griner's sentencing happened on the same day it was announced that officers would be formally charged in the death of Breonna Taylor.  

50 Cent

Hip-hop icon 50 Cent shared a screenshot of the news flash of Brittney Griner being found guilty. He captioned the post as, “This is wild, smh you don’t ever want to get caught up in the politics, They are gonna tell her like 10 years for a vape pin watch.”  

Mia Farrow

Actress Mia Farrow took to Twitter to voice her concern on the grave situation. “The Russian judge ignored everything Brittney Griner had stated”, said Farrow adding, “He sentenced her to 9 years in a ‘penal colony’. For carrying 2 vaping cartridges - medically prescribed. Damn. Heartbreaking.”  

Andy Cohen

Radio and television talk show host Andy Cohen took to Twitter, saying, “BRING BRITTNEY HOME” while sharing a tweet from a media house.

Sherri Shepherd

Sherri Shepherd, while sharing a picture of Griner getting featured on the Time magazine, wrote, “My heart breaks for Brittney Griner, her wife & her family! I need America to do all that it can to get this woman home immediately! End this nightmare! 

Greg Olear

Novelist Greg Olear took to the micro-blogging site to condemn Brittney Griner’s nine-year jail term in Russia. While tweeting about a post of ESPN sharing Joe Biden’s official statement on Griner, Olear wrote, “Brittney Griner is a hostage. This is kidnapping, sanctioned by Putin's government.  

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.