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WNBA Brittney Griner, was forced to cancel a Maryland speaking engagement after finding a strange note at her hotel entrance.
As FOX 5 reports, Griner, who was scheduled to appear at a cannabis conference for women, backed out after finding a piece of duct tape near her door with the words “Gay Baby Jail” written on it. Disturbed by the message, she immediately canceled her appearance.
Prince George County Police later determined that the note was a reference to a video game and was accidentally left behind by a previous guest.
“Detectives have learned the phrase ‘gay baby jail’ is commonly used as a video game reference,” police said in a statement. “At the time the tape was located, a large convention was taking place at the Gaylord which attracts thousands of people, many with an interest in anime as well as video game enthusiasts.”
Women Grow, the hosting organization of the conference, supported Griner’s decision.
“We were really excited because she brings a beacon of hope to our industry, but we know security is a major importance,” Women Grow CEO Dr. Chanda Macias told the news station. “If there was a woman that feels threatened at any reason whatsoever, they should do what they feel is best for them.”
Safety Concerns
In 2022, Griner was detained in a Russian prison for 10 months after being arrested on drug charges for carrying vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is illegal in Russia. Her case gained international attention, with many viewing her imprisonment as politically motivated. She was released in December 2022 as part of a prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia
A year later, the basketball star was verbally harassed at a Dallas airport by a Youtuber named Alex Stein.
Video of the incident showed Stein pushing the team’s security guard while trying to get closer to Griner, while yelling sexually and politically charged questions.
