An anti-Trump protester crudely interrupted a moving rendition of the US national anthem to yell, “Leave Greenland alone!” before an NBA game being played in the UK.
Actress Vanessa Williams was performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” to respectful silence ahead of the clash between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic at London’s O2 Arena when the heckler — who sounded American — loudly shouted his protest.
It sparked a wave of boos, before others applauded — and at least one person was heard shouting “f–k off” as others continued interrupting the anthem.
Unfazed, Williams completed her rendition ahead of the game that saw the Grizzlies win 126-109.
Video of the crude interruption was shared by UK Legal commentator Chris Daw, who said that “the mood of the British crowd at the O2 last night was very clear.”
“Cries of ‘Leave Greenland alone!’ were met with loud cheers during the US national anthem, and there were jeers of irony at the line, ‘Land of the free,’” he wrote.
“I have never seen any national anthem treated like this – feelings are running high in Britain about Trump’s attempt to appoint himself King of the World,” he wrote of Trump’s moves to take Greenland.
However, the heckle was branded “classless” by one X user, while anothersaid that the US “stopped listening to Brits” in 1776 and the Declaration of Independence.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” has become a target of anti-Trump protests during its use at sporting events overseas in the past year.
Two WWE premium live events in 2025 saw similar disruptions, while Canadian fans also booed the anthem at last year’s 4 Nations Face Off and before an MLS soccer match.
The mood of the British crowd at the @O2 last night was very clear. Cries of “Leave Greenland Alone!” were met with loud cheers during the US national anthem. And there were jeers of irony at the line, “land of the free”. I have never seen any national anthem treated like this… pic.twitter.com/BvuGDhfn3l
— Chris Daw KC (@crimlawuk) January 19, 2026
It comes amid President Trump’s continued insistence that the US must control the semi-autonomous, Danish-controlled territory, which is home to a crucial US military base.
On Friday, Trump declared he was considering imposing fresh duties on countries defying his plans for the US to acquire Greenland.
“I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security,” the president said.
In a statement that sent shockwaves across the continent, Trump warned that levies could rise to up to 25% if Europe hasn’t capitulated by June.
His recent remarks have prompted several European countries and NATO allies, including France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden, to deploy troops to the island for security measures.
Greenland, which has a population of less than 60,000, is set to take on growing strategic importance in the coming years as melting pack ice opens up new shipping lanes and access to vital natural resources.
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