A spectator shouted "Leave Greenland alone!" during the US national anthem before an NBA regular-season game in London on Sunday, drawing scattered applause from the crowd as singer Vanessa Williams continued her performance.
The interruption came ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies’ 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic at the O2 Arena, the NBA’s first regular-season game in the British capital since 2019.
BREAKING: During the U.S. national anthem before an NBA game in London, a person in the crowd yelled, “Leave Greenland alone!” and the entire crowd erupted. Donald Trump has destroyed our standing on the world stage. pic.twitter.com/8vgS7BdX3m
— Democratic Wins Media (@DemocraticWins) January 18, 2026
The remark referenced recent comments by US President Donald Trump, who has said the US should assert greater control over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, citing national security concerns.
The demand has drawn criticism from European leaders, with Trump threatening higher tariffs on eight European countries opposing the idea.
Williams completed the anthem without reacting, and play proceeded as scheduled in front of a sellout crowd of 18,424.
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