WNBA Gender Testing Controversy: Jeanine Pirro’s Alleged Remarks and Brittney Griner’s Plight Ignite Fierce Debate

In a whirlwind of controversy, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) finds itself at the center of a cultural firestorm following unverified reports of inflammatory remarks attributed to Fox News personality Jeanine Pirro about WNBA star Brittney Griner. These claims, coupled with a rumored new league policy mandating gender verification testing for all players starting next season, have sparked intense debate across social media and the sports world. As misinformation swirls and emotions run high, this article seeks to clarify the facts, examine the implications, and explore the broader context of this polarizing issue.

The Alleged Remarks and Their Fallout

The controversy erupted in early August 2025 when posts on X claimed that Jeanine Pirro, a former judge and host of Fox News’ The Five, referred to Brittney Griner with a derogatory term after purportedly uncovering “the truth” about her gender identity. These posts, including one from user @CowboyFL2 on August 17, 2025, suggested that Pirro’s comments coincided with a WNBA announcement about mandatory gender testing, further inflaming public discourse. The posts gained significant traction, with one receiving over 69,000 reactions, 18,000 comments, and 3,600 shares, according to reports from Snopes and Yahoo News..

However, no credible news outlets have substantiated these claims. Searches across major platforms like Google, Bing, and Yahoo found no evidence of Pirro making such remarks, and the White House dismissed similar rumors involving Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as “obviously fake.” The lack of verification suggests that these allegations may stem from a network of clickbait blogs, some traced to Vietnam, designed to exploit hot-button issues for advertising revenue. Despite their dubious origins, the rumors have reignited long-standing speculation about Griner’s gender, fueled by her physical appearance and deep voice, which she has openly addressed since her college years at Baylor University.

The WNBA’s Rumored Gender Testing Policy

Compounding the controversy is the claim that the WNBA plans to implement mandatory gender verification testing for all players starting in the 2026 season. This rumor, first circulated by a Facebook account called POP Shady Music Facts in June 2025, alleged that Griner would be suspended until she complied with the testing requirement. Reports from outlets like Sportskeeda and Snopes have debunked this claim, confirming that the WNBA has made no such announcement. The league’s existing policies focus on drug testing for performance-enhancing substances, not gender verification.

The fabricated policy has nonetheless stirred significant backlash. Advocacy groups, including LGBTQ+ organizations, have condemned the idea as discriminatory and invasive, arguing that it undermines personal identity and inclusion in sports. Petitions demanding the reversal of the nonexistent policy have circulated online, with hashtags like #StandWithGriner trending as fans rally around the star. The rumor’s persistence highlights the challenges of combating misinformation in an era where viral posts can outpace verified reporting.

Brittney Griner: A Lightning Rod for Controversy

Brittney Griner, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and center for the Atlanta Dream, has long been a target of scrutiny due to her 6’9” stature, deep voice, and nontraditional gender presentation. In a 2015 ESPN interview, Griner candidly discussed being bullied as a child for her appearance, embracing her unique traits as part of her strength. Despite repeated debunking by outlets like PolitiFact and USA Today, conspiracy theories questioning her gender have persisted, resurfacing during her 2022 detention in Russia and again with the recent rumors.

Griner’s visibility as an openly gay athlete and advocate for gender equality has made her a polarizing figure. Her 2022 arrest in Russia for possessing cannabis vape cartridges, followed by a nine-year sentence and a controversial prisoner swap, amplified her public profile and the scrutiny she faces. The current controversy, particularly the unverified claims about Pirro, has reignited debates about gender norms and fairness in women’s sports, with some praising the WNBA for “competitive integrity” while others decry the invasion of personal identity.

The Role of Misinformation

The rapid spread of these rumors underscores the power of misinformation in shaping public perception. Social media platforms like X and TikTok have amplified unverified claims, with AI-generated content and sensationalized videos adding fuel to the fire. For instance, a YouTube video titled “WNBA FORCES Brittney Griner Into Gender Test After BRUTAL Attack on Caitlin Clark!” garnered significant views despite lacking credible evidence. Such content exploits Griner’s high-profile status and the emotional weight of gender-related debates to drive engagement.

Fact-checking outlets like Snopes and Sportskeeda have been instrumental in debunking these claims, emphasizing the importance of relying on reputable sources. The absence of confirmation from the WNBA, Griner’s team, or major news organizations suggests that both the Pirro remarks and the gender testing policy are fabrications designed to provoke outrage and clicks. This phenomenon is not new; similar false narratives about Griner’s gender surfaced during her Russian detention, including claims that she was ordered to take a DNA test.

The Broader Implications

The controversy surrounding Griner and the WNBA touches on broader issues of gender, identity, and inclusion in professional sports. The rumor of mandatory gender testing raises questions about how sports institutions define gender and whether such interventions are justified. Critics argue that such policies, if real, would disproportionately harm athletes who challenge traditional gender norms, like Griner, while supporters claim they ensure fairness in competition..

Griner’s case also highlights the intersection of race, sexuality, and gender in public discourse. As a Black, openly gay woman, she has faced disproportionate scrutiny, with her appearance weaponized to fuel baseless rumors. The spread of these narratives reflects broader societal discomfort with athletes who defy conventional expectations, a pattern seen in other sports controversies, such as those surrounding transgender athletes.

The WNBA’s Response and Griner’s Resilience

The WNBA has remained silent on the rumored policy, consistent with its focus on promoting inclusivity and athletic excellence. Griner, meanwhile, has continued to perform on the court, posting strong numbers post-All-Star break despite a recent neck injury. Her resilience in the face of ongoing harassment, from her Russian detention to the current rumors, underscores her role as a cultural icon and advocate. Support from fellow players, like Indiana Fever’s Kayla Christensen, highlights her positive impact on the league.

Conclusion

The alleged remarks by Jeanine Pirro and the rumored WNBA gender testing policy are, by all available evidence, fabrications rooted in misinformation. Yet, their rapid spread reveals the challenges of navigating truth in the digital age, particularly when it comes to polarizing figures like Brittney Griner. As the WNBA continues to champion inclusivity, and Griner remains a beacon of resilience, the public is urged to approach such claims with skepticism, relying on credible sources to separate fact from fiction. This controversy, while rooted in falsehoods, has sparked a necessary conversation about gender, identity, and fairness in sports—one that will shape the future of the WNBA and beyond.