During a live performance on the Today Show, keyboardist Billy Wes had to turn his “Free Britney Griner” t-shirt inside out. NBC executives did not approve of the shirt’s bold message and asked him to cover it up before going on air.
Wes wore the shirt to show support for WNBA star Britney Griner, who had been detained in Russia. Despite the on-air adjustment, Wes and Macy Gray did not clarify why the shirt was prohibited, though Gray stated, “It’s not political.”
The incident occurred on the same day Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges in Russia, facing up to ten years in prison. Supporters like Wes are calling for action to bring her back home.
Although Macy Gray didn’t directly comment on the decision, she emphasized that the situation wasn’t about politics but about a human being in a dire situation. Griner’s detention in Russia has sparked public outcry, and advocates like Wes are urging the U.S. government to work towards securing her release.
