PHOENIX (AP) – WNBA star Brittney Griner said she considered suicide during her first few weeks in a Russian prison after her 2022 arrest on drug charges.

Griner spoke for the first time about her month-long detention in Russia during an hour-long interview that aired Wednesday night on ABC. Her memoir “Coming Home” will likely be released on May 7.

Griner was detained upon arrival at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vaping cartridges allegedly containing oil derived from cannabis.

“I wanted to take my own life more than once in the first few weeks,” Griner told Robin Roberts in an interview. “I wanted to leave here so bad.”

She decided to accomplish that partly because she feared that Russian authorities wouldn’t release her body to her family.

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Her difficult situation unfolded at the same time as Russia invaded Ukraine and further escalated tensions between Russia and the United States, which ended only after her release in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Griner said she was forced to write down a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin before being released.

“They forced me to write down this letter. It was in Russian,” she added. “I needed to express regret and thanks from their so-called great leader. I didn’t wish to do it, but at the same time I desired to go home.

She was disillusioned when she boarded the industrial plane and that Paul Whelan, one other American held in Russia, was not with her.

“I kept walking and didn’t see him, possibly he’ll be next. Maybe they’ll bring him in next,” she said. “They closed the door and I thought: Are you serious? You won’t let this man come home now.

Griner plays for the Phoenix Mercury. The WNBA season starts on May 14.

A makeup brand is being forced to take extreme steps to silence backlash online after being called out when an attempt to expand its range of foundation shades crossed the road into racism.

Youthforia, which describes itself as a “universal” clean and sustainable makeup company that believes makeup needs to be an extension of skincare, was founded by Fiona Co Chan.

Chan launched the brand in 2021 and it quickly became a viral sensation, with the color-changing pink taking over TikTok and Chan securing a $400,000 deal from Mark Cuban on the positioning Shark Tank. Unfortunately, all that good publicity got here to a halt when the influencer realized the brand was struggling within the inclusion department.

Impact on beauty Golloria George is understood for reviewing makeup for darker skin tones on TikTok. She’s a deeper-skinned girl herself, and plenty of people trust her expertise when it comes to cosmetics and skincare recommendations. On September 27, 2023 she reviewed the Youthforia “Date Night Skin Tint Serum”.

The darkest shade (on the time) that she assumed would suit her was 495 Deep – neutral with cool tones. Although the shade looked like a match on the corporate’s website, once the product arrived, Golloria wasn’t even able to match it. It was actually a number of shades lighter than advertised.

“It’s the darkest shade. Is the supposed shadow here, in the room, with us? This happens all the time because considering tone isn’t something that beauty companies worry about. They don’t care,” said a really irritated content creator.

Several people within the comments were amazed at the colour difference between what the brand advertised on its website and what Golloria saw in her video.

“It doesn’t even look like the color on the box, what the heck,” wrote one commenter.

Another asked: “Did they send the wrong product?”

“It’s not fair that they advertise like that… it’s a lie. They need a True Tone shade and a free shade because they advertised badly,” wrote a concerned observer.

@golloria Replying to @Meredith May ♬ original sound – golloria

At that point, Youthforia foundations only offered 15 shades. Now in 2024, the corporate has a whopping 25 shades, thanks to the addition of 10 latest shades in March. After hearing the excellent news, Golloria decided to check out her newest dark option – 600 Deep Neutral.

According to Golloria, this shade is definitely worse than before. Instead of being too light, it actually resembles black face paint. In fact, compared to black face paint, it may very well be darker.

She checked out the black face paint on one side of her face and the Youthforia foundation on the opposite side, which provided a visible representation for her followers.

He asks, “Which side of my face is the black face paint or the Youthforia foundation? Tea. You can’t tell. Tar in a bottle.

He then goes on to show that there is no obvious difference between Youthforia and the face paint that can be used for blackheads. Beginning in the 19th century, white performers painted their faces black to imitate enslaved Africans in minstrel shows. Blackface degraded and dehumanized African Americans.

“When we say we want you to make shades for us, we don’t mean going to a lab and asking for a black minstrel show,” he adds. “What we mean is you take the browns you’ve made, you create the shades, and you do whatever you need to do in the lab to get a darker shade of brown.”

Since George’s video, social media users have noticed that this is not the primary time Youthforia has received lots of attention due to its lack of diversity.

“Youthforia has already been called out about their range, but the founder thought it was funny and tried to be funny by offering a black shade” said considered one of X’s users.

Others claim that Youthforia intentionally released this color to slap those that had previously criticized the brand.

What Youthforia did was malicious pandering and racism rolled into one, and I hope nobody is confused about that. They sold black pigment as foundation to insult individuals who called them names.

— Aerin (@FromAerin) April 30, 2024

“Youthforia releasing a foundation that doesn’t suit any human skin tone because they didn’t bother to develop a more comprehensive range of shades is the most embarrassing thing I’ve come across on the internet today, insulting an entire sector of customer potential,” replied one other X user.

The lack of shadow coverage is a conscious selection.
Creating a jet black foundation as an alternative of a dark skin foundation that black people might wear is a conscious selection and is unacceptable.

I hope Youthforia goes bankrupt and any business enterprise its owner touches fails https://t.co/g5AzhUXFmO

— AndRae Leon Talley ♉️ (@SandaaPandaa) April 29, 2024

Youthforia has not issued a public comment for the reason that backlash. Instead, the brand turned off comments on all social media, and the founder left a message in her Instagram bio saying she was to Dubai for a number of months. As for Golloria, the sweetness content creator continues to share recommendations for the very best foundation and makeup products for dark skin tones.

The sneaker culture machine never stops and even slows down. Whether it is a leaked image of an upcoming collaboration or the newest retro model, there’s all the time something for casual fans and sneaker enthusiasts to discuss. Rapper Travis Scott and Jordan Brand are back with one other big-name collaboration. Others are looking to make their mark with digital design studio-turned-digital moodboard JJJJound, launching collaborations with Reebok and Aimé Leon Dore founders Teddy Santis continuing his stellar run with New Balance. Fan-favorite retros just like the Air Jordan 4 and Nike KD 4 join the discharge schedule together with latest basketball models for San Antonio Spurs rookie center Victor Wembanyama and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart to round out a month stuffed with releases.

Here are some noteworthy May publications.

Holding it ‘Made within the USA

New Balance has made a reputation for itself as a collaborator brand. Between releases for Joe Freshgoods, Salehe Bembury and Action Bronson, New Balance has used a few of its more popular silhouettes to showcase materials and colours. The 993 “Made In USA” continues this trend as Santis delivers the Spring/Summer 2024 edition of its Season Five collection with New Balance.

The “Interstellar” colorway of the New Balance 993 features plush purple nubuck on the midsole mixed with shades of white to create the proper combination that even New Balance’s fiercest critic will praise. Between these and “Chives” color scheme.New Balance continues its good streak.

Release date: May 2

Retail price: $219.99

A classic gets a vintage treatment

The Nike Attack has been one of the featured models in Nike’s lineup since its return in 2023. Whether it was a highly sought-after collaboration with Scott, three premieres Social statusor a each day rotation of essential colours, Nike has made it clear that it plans to make former tennis star John McEnroe’s signature shoes as striking as his playing style.

The “Better with Age” colorway looks to proceed to evolve while paying homage to the past. The distressed look with a mostly off-white upper and cracked blue leather shows that they will easily be identified with a pair McEnroe once owned.

Release date: May 3

Retail price: $135

The Jordan brand completes the OG Jordan 4 series

Jordan Brand has made it clear that the Air Jordan 4 can be getting its due in honor of its thirty fifth anniversary with the discharge of the Reimagined Playoff 4 during NBA All-Star Weekend. Adding to the shoe’s highlight is the long-awaited return of the “Industrial” colorway Blue”, a rather darker shade of blue than the unique “Military Blue”, but otherwise consistent with the unique specifications, including Nike Air branding on the heel.

Considering the last time we saw the “Military Blue” version was back in 2012, this is a must-have for enthusiasts and regular folks alike.

Release date: May 5

Retail sales price: $215

The NBA sneaker champion gets one other collaboration

PJ Tucker became famous because the undisputed king of NBA sneakers. Throughout his profession, Tucker had a knack for locating kicks that seemed out of reach. He even made his debut his teammates’ signature shoes before they did it. He’s back along with his third pair of shoes from the collaboration, following his own Nike Kobe 5 Protro PE (2020) i Converse Pro Leather High (2022).

Designed as an ode to his North Carolina roots and love of international travel, the PJ Tucker x Nike Air Flight ’89 Low includes a textured blue suede upper with a “Flight PJ 17” logo adorning the heel. The Flight ’89 model is a classic basketball silhouette once utilized by former NBA forward Scottie Pippen. Tucker’s Flight ’89 will add to the legacy, especially considering the one place you possibly can buy it’s at Tucker’s Boutique, A greater generation.

Release date: May 5

Retail price: $160

JJJJound x Reebok keep it easy and simple

Not every collaboration requires bells and whistles. There are times when less is more after which the JJJJound x Reebok Club C 85 suits perfectly into this rotation. The Montreal-based designer all the time opts for an understated approach, with little variation in materials and an emphasis on colours. The suede version of this Reebok classic is on the market in three options: “Cork Suede”, “White Suede” and “Light Gray Suede”.

Release date: May 9

Retail price: $150

Currently the longest serving women‘the signature basketball shoe is back

With all of the discuss why no black WNBA players have a signature shoe, we should always keep in mind that Breanna Stewart is currently leading the pack as Puma prepares to release the third version of its signature kicks. With tonal shades of orange and pink that mimic an early sunrise, the Stewie 3’s “Dawn” colorway looks set to proceed the success of the previous two models.

Releasing the newest edition of Stewie’s signature line is smart as a brand new era of the WNBA begins this season.

Release date: May 14

Retail price: $125

Victor Wembanyama’s Nike PE brings to mind an extraterrestrial moniker

If there’s one word consistently used to describe Wembanyama, it’s “alien” since Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James gave him a label before the 2023 NBA draft (the nickname already existed much earlier, but more on that later). It’s a very good thing that his gamer-exclusive colorway of the Nike Zoom GT Hustle 2 has been released to the general public and he plays under the extraterrestrial moniker.

At first glance, the sneakers bring back memories Nike Foamposite “ParaNorman” website and shares key features comparable to a glow-in-the-dark sole and black and green color scheme. This edition of the GT Hustle 2 looks like a crossover built to be worn on and off the pitch.

Release date: May 15

Retail price: $170

The king of collaboration Jordana is back

When it comes to Nike, Scott holds a number one position because the brand’s biggest artist collaboration. Scott recently released his latest model, Jumpman Jacek TRand is currently preparing for one more collaboration with Jordan 1.

This time, the Jordan 1 low clearly differs from other versions by way of color. The first few Jordan 1 collaborations were more tonal and dark. Bright Canary Yellow is paired with a Blue Swoosh on a White upper with a rubberized bottom that’s clearly intended for the summer rotation.

Release date: May 17

Retail price: $150

A fan favorite from the recent past is back

A brand new trend within the sneaker world is iconic athletes who’re still lively within the league, comparable to Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, re-releasing retro styles. Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is now an element of this club as a few of his earlier KD models have been given a retro treatment. The latest retro to join the gathering is the KD 4 “Weatherman”.

First introduced in 2011, the brilliant orange, green and volt shoes immediately caught the attention. Mimicking a weather radar image of a storm, this pair is undoubtedly top-of-the-line examples of the shoe’s motif matching its moniker.

Release date: May 21

Retail price: $130

‘Lightning‘ color hits twice

When it comes to Michael Jordan’s performances as a Washington Wizards guard, most of his on-court activities are memorable. However, his footwear selections are a part of the story. Whether he was wearing the “Cool Gray” Air Jordan 9 or the Wizards version of the Jordan 3, MJ delivered loads of sporting moments. His most notable moment got here when he wore the white/lightning bolt Air Jordan 17 Low throughout the 2002 NBA All-Star Game.

The “Lightning” colorway was eye-catching thanks to its unique packaging. In 2002, the metal briefcase with the enduring Jumpman logo was considered by some to be unique and maybe even excessive. However, it suits perfectly today and likewise helps justify the worth of the Jordan, which is not considered one of the more iconic silhouettes.

Release date: May 30

Retail price: $300

Asics serves one of the best mesh

With the mesh boyz trend gaining momentum, why not look to purveyors of this style for options? Over the previous few years, Asics has produced some notable retro trainers. The better part is that the majority models were widely available at retail, making it easy to purchase them without having to break the bank. This newest Gel-2160 comes with white mesh, silver overlays and lightweight blue accents. Keep it easy by selecting a white T-shirt and lightweight shorts.

We’ve been bending the principles since they were technically released on April 27, but they’re only now starting to hit boutique accounts.

Release date: April 27

Retail price: $120