Brittney Griner, the WNBA player who spent ten months in a Russian prison, will appear alongside Robin Roberts in an ABC primetime special on Wednesday, May 1. The 20/20 program is titled “Prisoner in Russia: The Brittney Griner Interview.”
“In the wide-ranging interview, Griner talks candidly for the first time about her harrowing arrest and time in prison, where she describes feeling ‘less than human’ and the suicidal thoughts she had while being detained,” 20/20 quoted her as saying. “She also discusses navigating Russia’s penal system and the anguish she felt as a political prisoner.” The show provides new facts about the discussions that led to Griner’s release and follows her home as she unzips her duffle bag from Russia, disclosing a few personal belongings she claims helped her get through the ordeal.
READ MORE: Brittney Griner Will Release A Memoir About Her Time In A Russian Prison
20/20 released a trailer:
Griner was caught at a Moscow airport in February 2022, just days before Russia invaded Ukraine, for possessing cannabis oil-containing vape cartridges. She was sentenced to nine years in prison, but will be freed in December 2022.
Roberts also speaks with Griner’s wife, attorney Cherelle Griner, on her part in the campaign for Brittney’s release.
The hour-long program will be available on Hulu on May 2.
READ MORE: Brittney Griner Is Almost Unrecognizable On The WNBA Court
According to ABC, Griner has also teamed with ESPN and Disney Entertainment to tell her story on their own platforms. ESPN Films is producing a documentary feature, and ABC Signature is developing a scripted series. All are affiliated with The Walt Disney Company.
Griner plays center for the Phoenix Mercury. Her memoir, Coming Home, will be available on Tuesday, May 7.
Roberts attended Southeastern Louisiana University and played basketball there.
The primetime special is produced by ABC News’ 20/20 and ABC News Studios. Janice Johnston and Jonathan Blakely are the executive producers.
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