WNBA star Brittney Griner, fresh off another dominant season with the Phoenix Mercury, ignited a firestorm on social media with a candid interview clip that went viral overnight. In the discussion on gender identity and sports, Griner declared, “People are uneducated, having XY chromosomes doesn’t mean we’re dudes.” The remark, aimed at debunking myths around biological sex, has divided fans and critics alike, amassing over 500,000 views within hours of posting.

Griner, a six-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has long been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, drawing from her own experiences as a queer woman in professional sports. The statement emerged during a podcast episode focused on inclusivity in athletics, where she addressed persistent rumors about her gender sparked by her physical stature and deep voice. At 6’9″, Griner has faced scrutiny since her college days at Baylor University.

The controversy traces back to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Italian boxer Imane Khelif over alleged XY chromosomes, fueling global debates on sex verification in women’s sports. Griner, though not directly involved, has spoken out against such testing, arguing it unfairly targets women who don’t fit traditional feminine norms. Her latest comment reframes the narrative, emphasizing that chromosomes alone don’t define gender.

Social media erupted immediately, with conservative influencers labeling the words “delusional” and a “direct attack on biology.” On X, formerly Twitter, user @TruthMagnate posted a mocking thread questioning Griner’s anatomy, garnering 4,000 likes and replies filled with transphobic memes. The post read, “Is it possible that ‘her’ PENlS and Y CHROMOSOME also had something to do with it?” sparking chains of heated exchanges.

Feminist and TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) accounts amplified the backlash, insisting XY chromosomes unequivocally denote maleness. @djvalerieblove tweeted, “If you have XY chromosomes – you belong in a prison, bathroom, locker room, or sports team with other XY folks like yourself.” This echoed sentiments from over 100 similar posts, many tagging Griner directly and calling for WNBA sanctions.

On the flip side, LGBTQ+ allies and sports journalists rallied in defense. Brian Krassenstein, a prominent commentator, clarified the science: “Yes, a biological woman can have XY chromosomes due to certain genetic conditions like Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome.” His thread, viewed over half a million times, highlighted how disorders of sex development (DSD) blur binary lines, earning praise for educating amid the chaos.

Griner’s history adds layers to the uproar. Detained in Russia for nearly 10 months in 2022 over vape cartridges containing hash oil, she returned a national hero, yet faced whispers about her gender. In her memoir “In My Skin,” she detailed childhood bullying for her boyish features, a theme she revisited in the interview: “I used to get called a ‘boy’ because of my voice and chest.”

The WNBA, which has seen attendance soar with stars like Caitlin Clark, now navigates this minefield. League commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a measured statement: “We support our players’ right to speak authentically on issues that matter to them.” Yet, behind the scenes, executives worry about sponsor pullouts, reminiscent of past boycotts over social stances.

Critics like @marge8 decried Griner’s “emotive language” as manipulative, arguing it patronizes opponents of gender ideology. Replies poured in, with one user noting, “XX = , XY = ; these chromosomes are assigned at conception and remain unchanged.” This binary absolutism clashed with Griner’s call for nuance, turning timelines into battlegrounds.

Supporters, however, celebrated her boldness. GLAAD, the LGBTQ+ media advocacy group, tweeted solidarity: “Brittney Griner is using her platform to fight misinformation that harms trans and non-binary people.” Hashtags like #StandWithBG trended briefly, countering #GrinerGate pushed by right-wing accounts.

The debate spilled into broader culture wars, with podcasters dissecting Griner’s words frame by frame. Conservative host Rob Schmitt on Newsmax quipped, “From basketball courts to biology lessons—WNBA’s latest lesson in wokeness.” Meanwhile, progressive outlets like The Advocate framed it as a teachable moment on intersex visibility.

Griner addressed the frenzy in a follow-up Instagram story, saying, “Hate the hate, love the conversation. Education over ignorance.” Her poise under fire mirrors her on-court resilience, where she averages 17.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game this season.

As the dust settles, this incident underscores sports’ role in societal shifts. With Title IX under review and trans athlete bans proliferating in 24 states, Griner’s voice amplifies a pivotal fight. Will it unite or further polarize? Only time—and more viral moments—will tell.

Experts like Dr. Katrina Karkazis, author of “The 100% Solution,” weigh in: “Chromosomes are just one piece; gender is a spectrum shaped by hormones, genes, and identity.” Her perspective, shared in op-eds, urges moving beyond DNA fixation.

For Griner, the backlash is personal yet familiar. Married to fellow WNBA player Cherelle Watson since 2019, she embodies the league’s growing queer representation. Yet, as one fan noted on Reddit, “She’s not just fighting trolls; she’s fighting for kids who feel like outsiders.”

The WNBA’s response could set precedents. Past support for Black Lives Matter drew crowds but also critics; now, gender talk tests that tolerance. Analysts predict a 15% dip in merchandise sales if boycotts gain traction, per Nielsen data.

Griner’s team remains unfazed, scheduling community events on inclusivity. In Phoenix, where she trains, local LGBTQ+ groups credit her for boosting youth participation in sports by 30% since her return.

This saga highlights misinformation’s speed online. Fact-checkers at Snopes debunked false claims of Griner’s “XY confirmation,” tracing them to unverified IBA leaks. Still, the damage lingers, with search trends for “Brittney Griner chromosomes” spiking 400%.

As 2025 WNBA playoffs approach, Griner eyes another ring. Off the court, her words challenge norms, forcing reflection on what defines a “dude”—or a champion. In an era of echo chambers, her unfiltered truth cuts through, outrage be damned.