Brittney Griner Opens Up About Suicidal Thoughts During Russian Prison Stay: Exclusive Interview with Hollywood Life

WNBA star Brittney Griner recently opened up about her harrowing experience in a Russian penal colony in a preview for her upcoming ’20/20′ interview. The 33-year-old athlete revealed that she felt suicidal and struggled while serving her sentence in the penal colony.

During the interview with Robin Roberts, Brittney shared her journey from her arrest in February 2022 to her sentencing and eventual return to the United States. She admitted to feeling a lot of fear when she was first arrested and sentenced, saying, “My life is over right here. I was just so scared for everything.”

Brittney also described the difficult conditions she endured in the penal colony, including a lack of basic necessities like soap and toilet paper. She recalled feeling like she was at her lowest moment and admitted to feeling suicidal during that time.

The ’20/20′ interview is set to air on May 1 on ABC, giving viewers a deeper insight into Brittney’s traumatic experience in Russia. The WNBA player was released from the penal colony on December 8, 2022, as part of a prisoner swap with Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Upon her return, she signed with the Phoenix Mercury team.

Brittney’s emotional message on social media after her return highlighted the challenges she faced during the past 10 months and expressed gratitude for the support she received. The interview sheds light on the mental and emotional toll of her time in the Russian prison and serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support for individuals in distress.