In a stunning turn of events at a recent White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt ignited a firestorm of controversy by referring to WNBA star Brittney Griner as a “jerk” while commenting on what she claimed was the “truth” about Griner’s gender. The remark, made just minutes ago, sent shockwaves through the room and across social media platforms, prompting a swift and powerful nine-word response from Griner that left Leavitt momentarily speechless. The exchange has sparked heated debate, raising questions about public discourse, gender identity, and the role of public figures in shaping narratives.
The incident unfolded during a routine press conference when Leavitt, addressing a question about diversity in sports, veered into unexpected territory. Without providing specifics, she alluded to having uncovered some unspecified “truth” about Griner’s gender, a statement that appeared to question the athlete’s identity. The comment was particularly jarring given Griner’s well-documented history as a cisgender woman and a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Leavitt’s choice of words—calling Griner a “jerk”—drew audible gasps from reporters, with many immediately questioning the appropriateness of such language from a White House official.
Brittney Griner, who was not present at the briefing but was informed of the remarks through her team, responded via a post on X: “My truth shines brighter than your words ever will.” The nine-word retort, delivered with Griner’s characteristic poise, quickly went viral, amassing thousands of shares within minutes. Supporters praised the basketball star for her dignity and resilience, while critics of Leavitt accused her of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and engaging in baseless speculation about Griner’s identity.
Griner, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA All-Star, has long faced scrutiny over her physical appearance. Standing at 6-foot-9 with a deep voice and athletic build, she has been subjected to unfounded rumors about her gender since her early career. In her 2024 memoir, Coming Home, Griner detailed the emotional toll of such speculation, recounting how she was bullied as a teenager for her appearance and voice. “The way people talk about my voice… it’s like a punch in the gut every time,” she told ABC News in 2025. Despite this, Griner has consistently embraced her identity, stating, “I’m done apologizing for who I am.”
Leavitt’s comment appears to draw from a persistent strain of misinformation that has dogged Griner for years. Social media posts, particularly in 2022 during her detention in Russia, falsely claimed she was transgender or that Russian officials ordered a DNA test to determine her gender. These claims were debunked by multiple outlets, including PolitiFact and USA Today, which confirmed Griner is a biological female with no evidence to the contrary. Her birth certificate, medical records, and public statements all affirm her identity as a cisgender woman.
The White House press secretary’s decision to wade into this territory has drawn sharp criticism. Many argue that her remarks were not only inappropriate but also a dangerous misuse of her platform, given the ongoing national conversation about gender identity and respect for personal truth. Leavitt, the youngest press secretary in U.S. history at 27, has previously made headlines for her combative style and willingness to challenge media narratives. However, this incident marks a new low, with some calling for an apology or clarification.
Griner’s response, by contrast, has been hailed as a masterclass in composure. Her words, concise yet powerful, redirected the focus to her authenticity and strength, resonating with fans and advocates alike. The athlete, who recently welcomed her son Bash with wife Cherelle Griner, has continued to use her platform to uplift others, dedicating her 2024 Olympic gold medal to her family.
As the dust settles, the exchange underscores a broader cultural divide. Leavitt’s remark reflects a segment of discourse that weaponizes gender to score political points, while Griner’s response embodies resilience in the face of adversity. The incident is unlikely to fade quickly, with social media already buzzing with hashtags like #BrittneyShines and #LeavittApologize. For now, Griner’s nine words have not only silenced her critic but also reaffirmed her place as a beacon of strength in a turbulent world.
