‘Leave Greenland Alone’: Protester Disrupts US National Anthem At NBA Game In London

Last Updated:January 19, 2026, 22:57 IST

At O2 Arena, a protester shouted “Leave Greenland alone!” during Vanessa Williams’ US anthem at the Memphis Grizzlies vs Orlando Magic NBA game.

At O2 Arena, a protester shouted “Leave Greenland alone!” during Vanessa Williams’ US anthem at the Memphis Grizzlies vs Orlando Magic NBA game. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

An anti-Trump protester disrupted a rendition of the US national anthem at an NBA game in London, shouting “Leave Greenland alone!" during the performance, drawing a mixed reaction from the crowd.

Actress and singer Vanessa Williams was midway through “The Star-Spangled Banner" ahead of the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic at O2 Arena when the heckler, who appeared to be American, shouted the protest.

The interruption sparked loud boos from sections of the audience, while others applauded. At least one spectator was heard shouting “F–k off" as the anthem continued to be disrupted. Williams, however, remained unfazed and completed her performance. The Grizzlies later won the game 126–109.

One attendee wrote that cries of “Leave Greenland alone!" were met with cheers and that there were jeers of irony during the lyric “land of the free," adding that emotions in Britain were running high over Donald Trump’s push to bring Greenland under US control.

The incident also drew criticism online, with some users calling the heckling “classless," while others dismissed it by pointing to the long history of US–UK political differences dating back to 1776.

Trump’s recent remarks on Greenland have prompted several European countries and NATO allies—including France, Germany, Norway and Sweden to deploy troops to the Arctic island as a security signal. Greenland, home to fewer than 60,000 people, is expected to gain strategic importance as melting polar ice opens new shipping routes and access to natural resources.

“The Star-Spangled Banner" has increasingly become a focal point for anti-Trump protests at sporting events overseas. Similar disruptions were reported at WWE premium live events in 2025, while Canadian fans booed the anthem during last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off and before an MLS match.

The London protest comes as Trump continues to insist that the United States must control the semi-autonomous, Danish-controlled territory, which hosts a key US military base. On Friday, he said he was considering imposing fresh tariffs on countries opposing his plans.

“I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security," Trump said, warning that levies could rise to as much as 25% if European nations fail to comply by June.

News world ‘Leave Greenland Alone’: Protester Disrupts US Anthem At NBA Game In London

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