Brittney Griner, the 34-year-old center for the Atlanta Dream, canceled her scheduled appearance at the Women Grow Leadership Conference in Maryland this Monday 

after a disturbing incident occurred at her hotel. 

Event organizers confirmed the decision was made due to security concerns 

after a “threatening” note was discovered in Griner’s hotel room, prompting safety measures to be heightened.

Griner was set to attend the Women Grow Leadership Conference, an influential event held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor. 

The conference, which attracts a large audience, was an ideal platform for Griner, known for her advocacy within the cannabis industry. 

Alongside her, former NFL running back Ricky Williams was also listed as a special guest. However, Griner’s participation was abruptly canceled when she found a piece of duct tape near her room’s door bearing the unsettling phrase “Gay Baby Jail.”

According to CBS affiliate WUSA-TV, the message was concerning enough to warrant the cancellation of Griner’s appearance. Prince George’s County Police were called to investigate, and they later clarified that the note was not a direct threat but was an unfortunate misunderstanding. Authorities indicated that the phrase “gay baby jail” is commonly used in certain video game circles, particularly among anime and video game enthusiasts, and that it had been left by a previous guest at the hotel. Despite this explanation, Griner’s safety was understandably a priority, and she opted to skip the event.

In a statement to the press, police confirmed that the message was a coincidence, saying, “Detectives have learned the phrase ‘gay baby jail’ is commonly used as a video game reference.” They further explained that a large convention had taken place at the Gaylord National Resort, drawing many anime fans and gamers, some of whom may be familiar with such terminology. The message was believed to have been left behind during the convention, which had ended prior to Griner’s arrival.

While the police reassured the public that there was no direct threat to Griner, the situation still raised concerns about her safety. Women Grow, the organization hosting the conference, supported Griner’s decision to cancel her appearance, emphasizing the importance of security. CEO Dr. Chanda Macias spoke to the news station, saying, “We were really excited because she brings a beacon of hope to our industry, but we know security is a major importance. If there was a woman who feels threatened at any reason whatsoever, they should do what they feel is best for them.” Macias further expressed understanding and solidarity, acknowledging that Griner’s well-being came first.

Griner, who has faced her share of safety concerns in the past, has repeatedly found herself in challenging situations. In 2022, she was detained in a Russian prison on drug charges, where she spent 10 months before being released in a prisoner swap. The emotional and physical toll of that experience was significant, and upon her return to the U.S., Griner was faced with further harassment. In June 2023, she was approached by a North Texas YouTuber, Alex Stein, at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Stein attempted to get close to Griner, pushing her team’s security guard while shouting inappropriate, politically charged questions. The encounter led to public backlash and a wider discussion on the WNBA’s travel policies. The league later responded by announcing that all teams would begin chartering flights, a shift in policy designed to better protect players like Griner during travel.

Though the incident in Maryland turned out to be a misunderstanding, it underscores the ongoing challenges that Griner has faced in terms of her personal safety and public scrutiny. Women Grow’s support of Griner’s decision to prioritize her security illustrates a strong commitment to ensuring the safety of their guests and participants. 

As Griner continues to advocate for change in various industries, her resilience and ability to handle such situations will undoubtedly inspire others who may face similar struggles.

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