Cal Gaunt
Justin Bieber has offered to help basketball star Brittney Griner after she was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison.
The WNBA star, who plays for Phoenix Mercury, was found to have vape cartridges containing cannabis oil at a Moscow airport in February.
Following her sentence to nearly a decade behind bars, pop star Bieber wrote on his Instagram story: “This hurts. If anyone knows of any way I can help please let me know.”
Watch as Brittney Griner is sentenced to nearly a decade in prison…
According to Metro, Griner said in a Russian court before learning of her sentence: “I want to apologise to my teammates, my club, my fans and the city of (Yekaterinburg) for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them.
“I want to also apologise to my parents, my siblings, the Phoenix Mercury organisation back at home, the amazing women of the WNBA, and my amazing spouse back at home.”
Metro say Russian prosecutor Nikolai Vlasenko urged a judge to commit the basketballer to over nine years in jail, along with what equates to a $16,700 fine.
The sentence was confirmed this morning.
Several celebrities and politicians have offered support to Griner since hearing the news, while President Joe Biden released a statement.
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He said: “Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney.
“It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates.
“My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”
Bravo TV personality Andy Cohen wrote: “BRING BRITTNEY HOME.”
Mia Farrow said: “The Russian judge ignored everything Britney Griner had stated. He sentenced her to nine years in a ‘penal colony’. For carrying two vaping cartridges – medically prescribed. Damn. Heartbreaking.”
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