It’s uncommon that a couple announces a pregnancy and a marriage annulment within a 24-hour span. So of course, the rumor mill wasn’t short on gossip concerning what may have possibly led to Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson’s abrupt split. Among the unfounded theories was that Johnson’s baby was the result of an affair that she had with a man.
Friday, the Tulsa Shock forward addressed the speculation in an emailed statement issued to Knox News.
“I would like to address the inaccurate statements released surrounding my marriage and pregnancy, so that I can continue, after this statement, to focus on my privacy and allow our lawyers to handle this situation,” she wrote.
According to Johnson, she was impregnated by in vitro fertilization using her egg and a donor’s sperm. She also claimed that Griner, who has no biological connection to the child, was never pushed to proceed with the wedding or their in vitro plans.
“At no stage was Brittney pressured to undertake the fertility process. In fact, throughout the entire process, Brittney was a willing participant, consenting and signing all the necessary documents that needed to be signed in order to move forward with the treatments,” she said. “In addition, while we may have both had our reservations, we both willfully and joyfully walked down the aisle together and decided to get married.”
As for their unborn child, Johnson intends to move forward with her pregnancy and remain in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“I am truly really saddened by the recent turn of events and was not expecting to have our marriage end so abruptly,” she wrote. “I am ready to begin focusing on my health, pregnancy and am going to remain in Tulsa to continue to build my relationship with the Tulsa Shock organization, and my teammates. I appreciate the support of my fans, family and loved ones and look forward to returning to the basketball court as soon as I can.”
It is unclear at this time whether or not Griner will fight for custodial rights.
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