WNBA star Brittney Griner is set to share her story in an exclusive interview with Robin Roberts for ABC News’ “20/20”. The primetime special, titled “Prisoner in Russia: The Brittney Griner Interview,” will air on May 1, 2024, at 10:01 p.m. EDT, with a first look airing on “Good Morning America” on April 26.
The interview marks Griner’s first sit-down discussion about her ten-month detention in Russia, where she was arrested at a Moscow airport in February 2022 for possessing vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and nine-time WNBA All-Star, was sentenced to nine years in prison and spent ten months behind bars before being released in December 2022 in a prisoner swap that saw the United States free Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
In the interview, Griner opens up about her harrowing experience, describing the conditions in the Russian penal colony as “less than human.” She reveals that she faced a stained mattress, a lack of basic hygiene products, and suicidal thoughts. Griner also discusses her initial arrest, sharing that her first thought was, “My life is over right here.”
The special will also include interviews with Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, her agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas, and Special Presidential Envoy of Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens. Additionally, viewers will get a glimpse into Griner’s personal life as she unzips her duffle bag from Russia and shares the possessions that helped her through her ordeal.
The one-hour program is produced by ABC News’ “20/20” and ABC News Studios, with Janice Johnston and Jonathan Blakely serving as executive producers. It will be available to stream on Hulu starting May 2, 2024.
Griner has also partnered with ESPN and Disney Entertainment Television to share her story through additional projects. A documentary feature from ESPN Films and a scripted series with ABC Signature are in the works, with Griner’s wife, Cherelle, serving as an executive producer. Griner’s memoir, “Coming Home,” will be released on May 7, 2024, providing further insight into her experience.
