Brittney Griner's marriage has officially come to an end. The WNBA star filed for divorce from her wife, Cherelle Griner, after eight years together, according to court documents obtained by multiple outlets. In the filings, Brittney cited that the marriage was “irretrievably broken,” a legal step that signals the end of their union.
The couple, who married in 2018, share a two-year-old son. Their relationship was thrust into the global spotlight in 2022 when Brittney was arrested in Russia on drug charges after vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage. She was sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony, and Cherelle became a vocal advocate for her release, appearing publicly and lobbying for diplomatic intervention.
Ultimately, President Joe Biden brokered a prisoner swap in December 2022, exchanging convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout for Brittney's freedom. Cherelle stood beside Brittney at the White House that day, a moment that was widely seen as a testament to their partnership.
Now, with the divorce filing, fans have been revisiting Cherelle's recent social media activity. Just days before the news broke, Cherelle posted a series of photos on Instagram that captured her smiling broadly, with the caption, “Pretty girl 💗💚.” The timing has led many to interpret the post as a subtle but telling signal of her state of mind.
The response from fans has been overwhelmingly supportive of Cherelle. Comments on her post range from “Sensational 😍😍” to “Thinking of you today. Be strong,” and “So many women see themselves in you. I'm proud of you. The standard.” Another follower wrote, “Good for you! Wishing you the best.”
While neither party has publicly commented on the divorce, the filing marks a significant personal chapter for Brittney, who has been focusing on her basketball career since her return. The news also comes amid a broader conversation about the pressures faced by female athletes in the public eye.
As for Cherelle, her social media presence suggests she is moving forward with confidence and grace. The divorce is just the latest development in a story that has captivated sports fans, and many are watching to see how both women navigate this next phase.
Brittney's legal team has not released additional details about the divorce terms, including custody arrangements for their son. The couple's journey has been anything but ordinary, and this ending, while sad for many, appears to be one that both are ready to embrace.
For now, the sports world is left to reflect on a relationship that survived international crisis but ultimately couldn't withstand the strain of everyday life. As one fan put it, “Wishing you the best.”
