Justin Bieber among celebrities shocked by Brittney Griner’s imprisonment in Russia
Justin Bieber is among the famous faces who have expressed shock and dismay at the jailing of American basketball player Brittney Griner in Russia.
The pop megastar took to social media to offer his help in bringing the athlete home after being sentenced to nine years in prison for smuggling cannabis oil into Russia.
Writing on his Instagram Story, the 28-year-old singer said, “It hurts.
“If anyone knows how I can help please let me know.”
Griner, 31, a two-time U.S. Olympic champion who plays for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, was sentenced Thursday by Judge Anna Sotnikova.
Other celebrities reacted to the news, including Jada Pinkett Smith, Mia Farrow and rapper 50 Cent.
Pinkett Smith wrote: “Same day we got justice for Breonna (Taylor)… Found out Brittney Griner had just spent nine years in Russia #FreeBrittney.”
Actress Farrow said the news was “heartbreaking”.
Other celebrities reacted to the news, including Jada Pinkett Smith (Anthony Devlin/PA)“Russian judge ignored everything Britney Griner said,” she tweeted.
He sentenced her to nine years in a “penal colony” for carrying two medically prescribed vaping cartridges.
“Doom. Heartbreaking.”
50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, said, “That’s wild, smh (shaking his head).”
“You never want to get caught up in politics, they’ll tell her 10 years for a vape pen, look.”