A recent claim circulating online alleges that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called WNBA star Brittney Griner a derogatory term after “discovering the truth about her gender.” This inflammatory headline, which lacks credible evidence, appears to stem from ongoing misinformation campaigns targeting Griner’s identity. This article examines the claim, Griner’s history with gender-related rumors, and Leavitt’s public stance, while emphasizing the need for factual reporting.

Brittney Griner, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time WNBA All-Star, has long faced scrutiny over her physical appearance and deep voice. False claims about her being transgender or male have persisted, despite her consistent identification as a cisgender woman and lesbian. In a 2015 ESPN interview, Griner addressed these rumors, stating, “I’m sure people are going to have a lot of critical things to say [about my body]. ‘Yo, she’s a man!’ But that’s my body, and I look the way I look.”

The allegation that Karoline Leavitt made a derogatory comment about Griner’s gender lacks substantiation from reputable sources. No major news outlet or official statement from Leavitt confirms such a remark as of July 1, 2025. Social media-driven narratives often amplify unverified claims, as seen in past instances where Griner was falsely accused of being ordered to take a DNA gender test in Russia.

Griner’s public persona has been shaped by her resilience against bullying and stereotypes. She has openly discussed being mocked as a teenager for her height, flat chest, and deep voice, as detailed in her 2024 memoir, Coming Home. Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and her embrace of her unique physicality make her a frequent target for misinformation.

Karoline Leavitt, appointed White House Press Secretary in January 2025, has been vocal on gender-related policies, particularly opposing transgender women in female sports. In a February 2025 briefing, she supported President Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s sports, claiming it protects “the safety of athletes” and “competitive integrity.” However, there is no record of her directly addressing Griner or making the alleged derogatory remark.

The spread of this claim aligns with a broader pattern of online misinformation targeting Griner’s identity. In 2022, fabricated images and false reports suggested Griner was male or transgender, debunked by PolitiFact, Snopes, and USA Today. These rumors often exploit Griner’s non-conforming gender presentation to fuel divisive narratives.

Griner’s professional achievements, including her recent move to the Atlanta Dream in 2025, highlight her focus on her career and family. She and her wife, Cherelle Griner, welcomed their son, Bash, in July 2024, and she dedicated her third Olympic gold medal to him. Despite personal milestones, she continues to face unwarranted speculation about her gender.

Leavitt’s public statements have focused on policy issues, such as opposing gender-affirming care and transgender inclusion in sports, rather than targeting individuals like Griner. Her March 2025 comments criticized Democrats for supporting “men in women’s sports,” but did not mention Griner specifically. This suggests the alleged comment may be a fabrication or misattribution.

Misinformation about Griner often ties into larger cultural debates about gender, race, and sexuality. A 2023 study in Sociology of Sport Journal noted that Griner’s detention in Russia sparked discussions about “woke politics” and intersectionality, with her identity as a Black lesbian amplifying public reactions. Such narratives can distort facts and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

The lack of evidence for Leavitt’s alleged remark underscores the importance of verifying claims before sharing them. Social media platforms, while powerful for spreading information, often amplify unverified stories, as seen in a 2024 false claim that Griner announced she was leaving the U.S. Fact-checking organizations like Lead Stories debunked that rumor, emphasizing the absence of credible sources.

Griner has consistently embraced her identity, rejecting pressure to conform to traditional gender norms. Her 2013 decision to wear a white tuxedo at the WNBA draft and her Nike endorsement deal as an openly gay athlete challenged the league’s historical emphasis on heteronormativity. Her advocacy continues to inspire, despite ongoing attacks on her identity.

Leavitt’s role as a spokesperson for the Trump administration places her at the center of polarizing policy debates, but no evidence links her to personal attacks on Griner. Her past involvement with Project 2025 and her vocal support for conservative policies have drawn scrutiny, yet these do not corroborate the specific claim in question. The controversy appears to be a product of sensationalized online narratives.

The persistence of gender rumors about Griner reflects broader societal discomfort with non-conforming identities. Medical professionals have explained that traits like her deep voice and athletic build are within the spectrum of biological female variation, yet stereotypes fuel speculation. Griner’s openness about her experiences counters these narratives with authenticity.

To address such controversies, media literacy and critical thinking are essential. Unverified claims, like the alleged Leavitt comment, thrive in polarized environments where sensationalism overshadows facts. Readers should seek primary sources and question headlines that lack substantiation.

In conclusion, the claim that Karoline Leavitt called Brittney Griner a derogatory term over her gender is unsupported by credible evidence. Griner’s history of facing and debunking similar rumors highlights her resilience as an athlete and advocate. As misinformation continues to spread, responsible reporting and fact-checking remain crucial to understanding the truth.