Brittney Griner and Whoopi Goldberg Hint at Leaving the U.S.: “Our Talent Deserves Better”

Two high-profile American figures—basketball star Brittney Griner and Oscar-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg—are publicly voicing frustrations about how the United States treats its homegrown talent. In recent statements, both women have suggested they may consider relocating abroad, citing a national culture that, in their view, consistently overlooks, underappreciates, and underpays its most committed contributors in sports and the arts.

Their remarks have sparked fresh debate about how America values its cultural figures, and whether a growing number of artists, athletes, and entertainers are reaching a breaking point in a country that profits from their skills but, they argue, fails to show genuine appreciation.

Griner: “We Give Everything, and Still Feel Invisible”

Brittney Griner, a WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, has endured global headlines in recent years, especially following her high-profile detention and subsequent release from Russia. Upon returning home, many expected Griner to reintegrate quietly and continue her career. But her return hasn’t been without reflection—and critique.

Speaking at a recent panel about international sports, Griner shared her disillusionment with how American athletes—particularly female athletes—are treated. “We put in years of work. We represent the flag abroad. We win titles, we make history,” she said. “But back home? We’re overlooked. We’re second-tier. It’s like our value ends when the camera shuts off.”

Griner, who has consistently used her platform to advocate for equity in sports, emphasized the stark contrast between how athletes are treated overseas versus in the U.S. “In other countries, there’s a sense of pride and respect for what athletes contribute—not just in wins, but culturally. Here, we’re fighting just to be seen.”

When asked directly whether she’s thought about leaving the U.S., Griner didn’t dismiss the idea. “I love my country. But loving something doesn’t mean staying where you’re not respected. I’ve thought about moving where the game, and the people who play it, are truly valued.”

Goldberg: “We’re Exhausted From Begging for Recognition”

Legendary actress, comedian, and long-time host of The View, Whoopi Goldberg echoed similar sentiments during a recent interview focused on the state of the American entertainment industry. The EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) did not hold back in her assessment of how creative professionals are treated in the U.S.

“Artists are the soul of any country,” Goldberg said. “We make people laugh, we challenge the way they think, we reflect the times we live in—and yet we’re constantly being told we’re not worth what we bring to the table.”

Goldberg called the ongoing fight for creative recognition and compensation “exhausting,” especially for Black and female entertainers. “We’ve spent decades proving ourselves. We’ve crossed every barrier, survived every trend, and still—still—we have to justify our place.”

She noted that she’s been approached in recent years with offers to work more extensively in Europe, where she feels artistic work is seen as integral to the culture rather than disposable entertainment. “They see value in storytellers over there. In America, you’re either hot for a second or forgotten entirely. It wears you down.”

Goldberg didn’t confirm any plans to leave, but when asked if she could see herself living abroad in the future, she nodded. “Absolutely. Life’s too short to keep begging for respect.”

A Bigger Conversation: Talent in Crisis

The comments from both Griner and Goldberg have struck a nerve with many in the public eye who share their frustrations. Their remarks aren’t isolated complaints—they point to a broader concern: that the U.S., while celebrating its top performers when it’s convenient, fails to create sustainable systems that respect, support, and fairly compensate those who contribute to its cultural and social fabric.

In professional sports, especially women’s sports, issues of pay disparity, media coverage, and sponsorship inequity continue to make headlines. Despite growing viewership numbers and consistent athletic excellence, female athletes still earn a fraction of what their male counterparts do—and their careers often come with less security and shorter longevity.

In the entertainment world, long-standing issues of racial and gender inequality, coupled with the instability of gig work in the digital era, have left even seasoned professionals feeling like they’re constantly auditioning for their worth.

Public Support—and Backlash

Reactions to Griner and Goldberg’s comments have been mixed. Many fans applauded their courage and honesty, seeing their willingness to speak up as a necessary wake-up call for an industry and culture in denial.

“Everything they said is true,” one X (formerly Twitter) user posted. “America loves talent until it has to actually support it.”

Others, however, accused them of being ungrateful or politically motivated. Some critics questioned how individuals with fame, money, and influence could feel “undervalued,” arguing that their status alone is evidence of appreciation.

But defenders were quick to point out the distinction: personal success doesn’t negate systemic inequality. As one cultural commentator noted, “You can have a big platform and still be a victim of a broken system. Just because someone is famous doesn’t mean their grievances are invalid.”

A New Trend Among Public Figures?

Griner and Goldberg may be among the most visible figures to publicly discuss leaving the U.S., but they’re far from alone. In recent years, a growing number of American celebrities, artists, and intellectuals have either moved abroad or flirted with the idea, citing everything from overwork and toxic culture to political instability and lack of institutional support.

From jazz musicians who find greater acclaim in Paris, to screenwriters who feel stifled by Hollywood’s commercial machinery, the U.S. is increasingly being viewed by some as a place where creative brilliance is mined—but not meaningfully nurtured.

Final Thoughts: What Does It Mean When Our Stars Want to Leave?

The idea that two of America’s most recognizable figures—one from the court, the other from the screen—are questioning their future in the U.S. should not be brushed off as idle celebrity chatter. It’s a sign of something deeper: a brewing crisis in how the nation values its artists, athletes, and visionaries.

Griner and Goldberg have both given much to the country, in talent, in service, and in representation. Their calls for respect, equity, and genuine appreciation aren’t just personal pleas—they’re reflections of a larger national struggle.

Whether or not they ultimately decide to leave the U.S., the fact that the question is even on the table speaks volumes. And if America wants to keep its brightest stars at home, it may need to take a long, honest look at how it treats the people who make it shine.