Brittney Griner abruptly canceled a scheduled speaking engagement this week after discovering a note in her hotel room that she found deeply unsettling.
The WNBA star was set to speak at the Women Grow Leadership Summit in National Harbor, Maryland. However, on Monday morning, she found a piece of duct tape near her hotel room entrance with the words "Gay Baby Jail" written on it.
Alarmed by the message, Griner immediately withdrew from the event and returned home.
Griner, who is openly gay and previously endured nearly 10 months in a Russian prison for marijuana possession, was shaken by the discovery. Given her past experiences and the nature of the message, she took it as a potential threat and decided to leave for her own safety.
Local law enforcement was alerted, and the Prince George's County Police Department (PGCPD) investigated the matter. In a statement released Tuesday, officials determined the incident appeared to be an unfortunate coincidence rather than a targeted act.
According to the PGCPD, the phrase "Gay Baby Jail" is commonly used as a reference in video game culture. They noted that at the time the tape was found, the hotel was hosting a large convention that attracted thousands of anime and video game enthusiasts.
Investigators found no immediate evidence suggesting the message was directed at Griner or intended as a threat.
Despite this, authorities continue to investigate. "Detectives are working to determine who placed the piece of tape, when it was done, and the intention behind it," the department said.
They also encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The incident was especially upsetting for Griner as she was scheduled to address a gathering of cannabis advocates in one of her first major public speaking engagements since her release from Russian imprisonment in December 2022.
Chanda Macias, CEO of Women Grow, expressed full support for Griner’s decision to prioritize her well-being and leave the event.
"We are actively working with the venue and authorities to investigate how this happened and hold those responsible accountable," Macias said. "The safety of every woman at this conference remains our top priority. Women Grow was founded on the belief that women should be able to lead without fear or intimidation. Our commitment to empowering women in cannabis is stronger than ever. We will not be silenced. We will continue on."
While police believe the message was unrelated to Griner, the emotional impact it had on her was undeniable. The basketball star has been vocal about her struggles since her harrowing time in a Russian penal colony.
Being back in the U.S. has been an adjustment, and she has gradually reentered the public spotlight.
This incident, however, serves as a reminder of the challenges she continues to face as a prominent LGBTQ+ athlete and public figure.
Griner has not yet made a public statement about the situation, but sources close to her say she remains focused on her basketball career and advocacy work while prioritizing her mental and emotional well-being.
As authorities continue to look into the origins of the note, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about safety and the importance of protecting individuals from harassment—intentional or not.
Whether the note was a misunderstanding or something more sinister, the fact remains that it deeply affected one of the most well-known athletes in the country, forcing her to step away from a significant event.
For now, Griner is choosing to focus on moving forward, but the incident is a stark reminder of the challenges that come with being in the public eye.
