Brittney Griner Pulls Out of Speaking Engagement After Threatening Note Found in Hotel Room
WNBA star Brittney Griner was forced to cancel her planned appearance at the Women Grow Leadership Summit in National Harbor, Maryland, after discovering a disturbing message in her hotel room that she interpreted as a threat.
A Startling Discovery
On Monday morning, Griner found a piece of duct tape near the entryway of her hotel room at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Written on the tape were the words “Gay Baby Jail,” which left the basketball icon, who is openly gay and has previously been imprisoned in Russia on marijuana charges, shocked and alarmed.
Feeling threatened by the message, Griner decided to cancel her scheduled speech at the summit, where she was set to address cannabis enthusiasts. She opted to return home instead, prioritizing her safety and well-being in the wake of the unsettling incident.
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Investigation Into the Incident
The Prince George’s County Police Department quickly investigated the scene. In a statement released on Tuesday, the department clarified that detectives believe the phrase “gay baby jail” is commonly used as a reference to a video game, adding that the large convention taking place at the venue at the time drew numerous anime and video game enthusiasts. Despite this, law enforcement emphasized that they are still working to uncover who placed the tape and the intentions behind it.
No direct connection to Griner was identified during the investigation, and authorities urged anyone with further information to come forward to assist with the inquiry.
Support for Griner’s Decision
Griner’s sudden departure from the event was met with support from Women Grow CEO Chanda Macias, who expressed full backing for the athlete’s decision to leave after the distressing find. “The safety of every woman at this conference remains our top priority,” Macias said. “We are actively working with the venue and authorities to investigate how this happened and hold those responsible accountable.”
Macias also reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering women in the cannabis industry, stating, “Women Grow was founded on the belief that women should be able to lead without fear or intimidation. We will not be silenced. We will continue on.”
Griner’s Public Speaking Engagements
This was set to be one of Griner’s first public speaking appearances since her release from Russian imprisonment. The 32-year-old, who made headlines for her legal battle and subsequent return to the U.S., has since emerged as a prominent voice in the fight for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights.
As investigations into the incident continue, Griner’s fans and supporters are rallying behind her, wishing her peace and safety during this unsettling situation.
