Brittney Griner and Whoopi Goldberg Decide to Leave America: “We Are Not Appreciated Enough”

In a bold and surprising decision, two iconic figures, Brittney Griner and Whoopi Goldberg, have announced their plans to leave America, citing feelings of underappreciation and the weight of systemic injustice as primary reasons for their choice. Both women, in their own respective fields, have achieved remarkable success.

Griner, a professional basketball player, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most recognized names in women’s sports. Goldberg, an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) winner, has been a trailblazer in the entertainment industry for decades.

However, despite their accomplishments, both have been vocal about the struggles they face as prominent figures in a nation that, at times, seems unwilling to acknowledge their worth.

Griner’s decision to leave America comes on the heels of her harrowing experience being detained in Russia in 2022, where she was wrongfully imprisoned for several months on drug-related charges.

The global outcry for her release was loud, but the frustration she experienced during her detainment—feeling forgotten, undervalued, and unseen—has never truly left her.

Upon returning to the U.S., Griner was met with both admiration and scrutiny. While her release was celebrated by many, others seemed more concerned with the political ramifications of the situation rather than with the personal toll it had taken on her.

“For so long, I was just a commodity, something to be traded or used for political gain. But I’m a person, a human being,” Griner stated in a recent interview.

“I felt invisible, and I realized that in America, as a Black, queer woman, I am often treated as if I don’t matter unless I’m in a uniform or scoring points. I’ve spent my whole life trying to prove my worth. At this point, it’s exhausting.”

Griner’s comments point to a broader issue many athletes, particularly women of color, face. The disparity in the treatment of male and female athletes, as well as the often-disrespectful manner in which Black athletes are viewed, creates a toxic environment that ultimately forces individuals like Griner to grapple with their own value in society.

While she has achieved incredible success on the court, she finds herself questioning whether her accomplishments are enough to shield her from the discrimination and marginalization she faces off the court.

Whoopi Goldberg, whose career has spanned acting, producing, comedy, and activism, also spoke to similar themes in a candid interview. Over the years, Goldberg has been open about the discrimination and challenges she has faced as a Black woman in Hollywood, but in recent years, her frustration with the country’s inability to address racial and gender inequality has grown.

“I’ve spent my entire career breaking barriers, opening doors for others, and fighting for equality,” Goldberg said. “But as I sit here today, I realize that this country still doesn’t appreciate me, or people like me, the way it should. We are asked to give so much of ourselves, but we are constantly told that we’re not good enough, or that our contributions don’t matter. It’s exhausting.”

Goldberg’s decision to leave America is rooted in similar feelings of being disregarded and unappreciated. Despite her long history of accomplishments, including her groundbreaking role in “The Color Purple,” her acclaimed hosting on “The View,” and her activism work, Goldberg feels that the nation has failed to evolve in terms of its treatment of Black women, both in the entertainment industry and in society at large.

Her comments reflect a deep frustration with a culture that continues to prioritize some voices while silencing others. While Goldberg has been a vocal advocate for change, it’s clear that the systemic nature of inequality and racism in America has left her feeling as though her efforts to create lasting change have not been enough. In her mind, the weight of this struggle is far too great for her to continue enduring, especially when the acknowledgment and respect that she deserves seems out of reach.

The decision by Griner and Goldberg to leave America is not merely an act of rebellion, but rather a response to years of neglect and undervaluing by a country that seems more concerned with political posturing than with the genuine issues that affect its citizens.

Both women have been critical of the way the American public and media treat them, and while they both deeply love their country, their decision to leave speaks to a painful truth: the reality of living in a society that does not fully embrace them for who they are, no matter their achievements.

The timing of this announcement is not lost on those who have followed the careers of Griner and Goldberg. In recent years, both women have used their platforms to speak out against issues like racial injustice, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender inequality.

They have also been at the forefront of conversations about the importance of mental health, particularly in the high-pressure world of professional sports and entertainment. However, these issues have often been met with resistance, both from the public and from institutions that have the power to effect change.

While some might view Griner and Goldberg’s decision as an act of extreme frustration or even betrayal, others see it as a sign of self-preservation. At the heart of their actions is the recognition that self-worth cannot be built upon a foundation of neglect and disdain.

For Griner, leaving the country is a way to regain control over her life and to create a space where her humanity is valued. For Goldberg, it’s about acknowledging the limits of her ability to create change within a system that refuses to evolve.

In the end, their decisions will likely spark significant discussion around the ways in which America treats its most prominent figures, especially those who fall outside of the traditional narratives of power and influence.

As Griner and Goldberg make their exit, they leave behind a powerful message: in a country that claims to champion freedom and equality, it is vital to recognize the inherent worth of all people—regardless of their gender, race, or sexual orientation—and to show that appreciation not just through words, but through action.

Whether they ever return to America remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Griner and Goldberg will continue to stand as symbols of resilience, strength, and the refusal to accept anything less than the respect and acknowledgment they deserve.