A spectator interrupted the performance of the U.S. national anthem at the NBA‘s annual London game on Sunday, shouting “Leave Greenland alone!”
The outburst, which drew cheers and applause from sections of the sellout crowd at the O2 Arena, appeared to reference ongoing tensions over President Trump’s push to acquire the Arctic territory from Denmark.
The incident unfolded moments into actress and singer Vanessa Williams’ rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which she was performing ahead of the matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic.
Video footage from the event shows Williams, dressed in blue, standing center court amid some American flags. The arena’s floor was illuminated with “LONDON” in bold letters. As she sang, a heckler’s voice cut through the silence, prompting initial scattered boos that quickly turned into cheers from the audience of over 18,000.
JUST IN: 🇬🇧🇺🇸 Audience member interrupts US national anthem at NBA game in London.
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) January 18, 2026
"LEAVE GREENLAND ALONE!" pic.twitter.com/jxPRNENlLB
Crowd Erupts in Cheers as “Leave Greenland Alone” Heckler NBA London Anthem Moment Steals the Show
The Grizzlies went on to defeat the Magic 126-109 in the NBA’s first regular-season game in London since 2019, but the pre-game moment overshadowed the on-court action.
The heckle echoed Trump’s persistent advocacy for U.S. control of Greenland, citing national security interests in the Arctic region.
His statements have provoked backlash across Europe, including a joint declaration from leaders of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK affirming Greenland’s sovereignty and rejecting coercive negotiations.
In response, Trump has threatened escalating tariffs on opposing nations, starting at 10% in February and rising to 25% by June.
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Why hasn’t the NBA Issued a Statement Supporting the United States
Whatever your views, the NBA should issue a statement letting London know that their interruption of the national anthem is uncalled for and unnecessary. We’re going to bring basketball to your God-forsaken soccer hell hole, and this is how you treat America?
You are still an American sports entity, aren’t you, Adam Silver? Or are you so completely beholden to China, whom Trump is trying to prevent from having Greenland fall into the hands of, that you tuck tail and run away from the controversy?
The NBA London Game, part of the league’s efforts to expand its global footprint, proceeded without further disruptions.
However, the heckle’s resonance with the crowd – many of whom are European fans – highlights broader sentiments amid the Greenland controversy.