WNBA star Brittney Griner has initiated divorce proceedings against her wife, Cherelle Griner, in Georgia's Fulton County, according to court documents obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The filing, submitted Thursday, marks the end of an eight-year relationship that weathered Griner's nine-month detention in Russia.
The couple, who married in 2018, share a two-year-old son. In the filing, Griner listed July 24 as the date of separation and described the marriage as “irretrievably broken.” The legal move comes just over two years after Griner's release from a Russian penal colony, where she was serving a nine-year sentence on drug charges.
Griner, a former Atlanta Dream player and WNBA All-Star, was arrested in February 2022 at a Moscow airport after customs officials discovered vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. She was subsequently charged with smuggling narcotics into Russia and convicted, a case that drew international attention and became a flashpoint in U.S.-Russia relations.
Cherelle Griner, an attorney by profession, became a prominent advocate for her wife's release during the detention. She publicly lobbied the Biden administration and appeared in media interviews, pressing for a prisoner exchange. Her efforts were instrumental in securing Griner's freedom as part of a December 2022 swap involving convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.
The divorce filing comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Griner's post-release life, including her memoir and public appearances. The couple's separation, while personal, intersects with broader political narratives surrounding the treatment of American detainees abroad and the diplomatic negotiations that led to Griner's return.
Legal experts note that Georgia is a no-fault divorce state, meaning the “irretrievably broken” standard is sufficient for the court to grant the dissolution. The case will proceed through standard family court processes, including matters of child custody and property division.
Griner's career has continued since her return, though she has faced physical and psychological challenges. The divorce filing adds another layer to her public narrative, which has been closely followed by fans and political observers alike. The couple's son, born in 2023, will be central to custody arrangements.
This development also highlights the personal toll of international incidents on families. The Griners' story, once a symbol of resilience and advocacy, now moves into a new chapter. As the legal process unfolds, both parties have remained largely silent, with no public statements issued as of this writing.
The divorce comes at a time when U.S.-Russia relations remain tense, with ongoing conflicts and prisoner exchanges continuing to make headlines. Griner's case remains a reference point in discussions about American citizens held abroad, even as her personal life undergoes this significant change.
