Justin Bieber among celebrities shocked by Russia’s jailing of Brittney Griner
The US basketball star was sentenced to nine years in jail on Thursday.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Justin Bieber is among famous faces expressing shock and dismay at the imprisonment of US basketball player Brittney Griner in Russia.
The pop megastar took to social media to offer his help in getting the athlete home after she received a sentence of nine years in prison for bringing cannabis oil into Russia.
Writing on his Instagram story, the 28-year-old singer said: “this hurts.
“If anyone knows any way I can help please let me know.”
31-year-old Griner, a two-time US Olympic champion who plays for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, was handed the sentence by Judge Anna Sotnikova on Thursday.
Other celebrities reacting to the news included Jada Pinkett Smith, Mia Farrow and rapper 50 Cent.
Pinkett Smith wrote: “On the same day we got justice for Breonna (Taylor)… I find out that Brittney Griner just got nine years in Russia #FreeBrittney.”
Actress Farrow said the news was “heartbreaking”.
“The Russian judge ignored everything Britney Griner had stated,” she tweeted.
He sentenced her to nine years in a ‘penal colony’ for carrying two vaping cartridges, which were medically prescribed.
“Damn. Heartbreaking.”
50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, said: “This is wild, smh (shaking my head).”
“You don’t ever want to get caught up in the politics, They are gonna tell her like 10 years for a vape pen, watch.”