The Heartbreaking Anniversary Silence: Cherelle Griner Opens Up About the Devastating Phone Call Failure at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow

Brittney Griner, the Phoenix Mercury superstar and one of the most prominent WNBA players, has been at the center of one of the most shocking and painful international sports-related detentions in recent years. Since February 17, 2025, Brittney has been held in Russia after being arrested for allegedly carrying cannabis oil in her luggage. While Brittney faces this challenging ordeal thousands of miles away, her family, especially her wife Cherelle Griner, has been enduring their own emotional turmoil, caught between hope and heartbreak.

Recently, Cherelle opened up about a deeply painful moment that occurred on what was supposed to be a day filled with love and connection: their fourth wedding anniversary. Cherelle was eagerly awaiting the first phone call from Brittney since her detention, but the call never came through, leaving Cherelle devastated and questioning the support and communication from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.

Months of Anticipation for One Call

September 8, 2025, marked four years since Cherelle and Brittney exchanged vows. For a couple separated by circumstances beyond their control, this anniversary was especially meaningful. It symbolized love, resilience, and hope amid adversity. The U.S. Embassy had granted Brittney permission to make a phone call on that Saturday — a chance for the two to reconnect and share words of comfort and love, despite the physical and political barriers that kept them apart.

For Cherelle, this call was a beacon of light in an otherwise dark and uncertain time. She waited anxiously, prepared to finally hear Brittney’s voice and feel a moment of closeness.

The Call That Never Came

Despite repeated attempts to reach Brittney, Cherelle’s hope was crushed. She tried calling the embassy-provided number more than 11 times, but none of the calls were answered. Each unanswered call deepened the ache and disappointment.

“It was heartbreaking,” Cherelle shared with the Associated Press in an emotional interview. She described how the missed calls on such an important day left her feeling “pain,” “hurt,” and “utterly exhausted.” The anticipation turned to crushing disappointment, with the day’s promise dissolving into tears and overwhelming sadness.

Frustration and Loss of Trust

Cherelle did not hold back her feelings about the embassy’s failure to facilitate this vital communication. She expressed deep frustration and anger at the lack of response from the very institution that is supposed to support American citizens abroad.

“I was in pain. I was hurt. I was tired and frustrated,” she said. At one point, she even messaged Brittney’s representative to say she didn’t want to speak with anyone else because the emotional toll was too great.

Cherelle’s experience also shattered her trust in the government’s handling of Brittney’s case. She posed a harsh but poignant question: “If I can’t trust that they will answer a phone call on a Saturday during working hours, how can I trust that they will negotiate effectively to bring my wife home? That’s a much bigger ask than just answering a phone.”

The Ongoing Ordeal of Detention

Since Brittney’s arrest at a Russian airport for allegedly carrying cannabis oil, she has been held in custody as the case unfolds amid tense U.S.-Russia relations. Last week, Russian courts extended her detention at least until July 2, prolonging the uncertainty and pain for Brittney and her loved ones.

While Brittney faces isolation and the pressures of the Russian legal system, Cherelle continues to grapple with her own emotional battles, living day-to-day with the stress of separation and the frustration of limited communication.

Love and Hope Amid Struggle

Despite the emotional weight of these setbacks, Cherelle remains a pillar of strength and hope. She continues to advocate for Brittney’s release and raise awareness about the situation, appealing to the public, media, and government for support and action.

Cherelle also emphasizes the broader significance of Brittney’s case for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights, highlighting the additional challenges that transgender and queer athletes face in environments that can be hostile or discriminatory.

Conclusion

The story of Cherelle Griner’s failed anniversary phone call is not only a deeply personal tragedy but also a stark reminder of the human cost behind geopolitical conflicts and the vital importance of maintaining open lines of communication and empathy for those caught in difficult international situations.

Cherelle’s unwavering dedication to Brittney and their family symbolizes the power of love and resilience, even in the darkest times. Her story continues to inspire and mobilize those who hope for justice, freedom, and compassion