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Fact check: Did Brittney Griner have a mastectomy?

Checked on June 28, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the comprehensive analysis of multiple sources, there is no evidence that Brittney Griner has had a mastectomy. All nine sources analyzed consistently fail to mention any mastectomy procedure [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8].

Instead, the sources focus on various other aspects of Griner's life and career, including:

  • Her detention and release from Russia [5] [8]
  • Her basketball performance and career updates [3] [6]
  • Her personal interviews and experiences [2]
  • Recent interactions with other players like Caitlin Clark [4]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The question appears to be part of a broader pattern of speculation about Griner's gender identity and medical history. Several sources reference unsubstantiated claims about Adam's apple surgery [1], suggesting there is ongoing misinformation circulating about various alleged medical procedures.

The sources reveal that much of this speculation comes from:

  • YouTube content creators who benefit from generating controversial content for views and engagement [1] [4] [7]
  • Sensationalized headlines that use phrases like "SURGEON FINALLY ADMITS" and "LEAKED PHOTO EXPOSES" to drive clicks [1]

Legitimate news sources like ESPN, ABC News, CNN, and Fox Sports focus on factual reporting about her basketball career, legal issues, and personal life without making unsubstantiated medical claims [2] [5] [6] [8].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question itself appears to be based on unfounded speculation rather than factual reporting. The framing suggests an assumption that such a procedure occurred, when no credible evidence supports this claim. This type of questioning:

  • Perpetuates harmful misinformation about a public figure's private medical information
  • Benefits content creators who profit from generating controversy around transgender and gender identity topics
  • Reflects broader patterns of targeting prominent female athletes, particularly those who don't conform to traditional gender stereotypes

The complete absence of mastectomy mentions across all analyzed sources, combined with the presence of other unsubstantiated medical claims [1], strongly suggests this question stems from deliberate misinformation campaigns rather than legitimate medical reporting.

Want to dive deeper?
What is Brittney Griner's current health status?
Has Brittney Griner spoken publicly about any medical procedures?
What are the common misconceptions about Brittney Griner's health?
How has Brittney Griner's health affected her basketball career?
What are the most recent updates on Brittney Griner's personal life?