Spectator Shouts “Leave Greenland Alone!” During U.S. Anthem at NBA London Game

A spectator shouted “Leave Greenland alone!” during the U.S. national anthem before an NBA regular-season game in London on Sunday, drawing scattered applause from the crowd at the O2 Arena. Singer Vanessa Williams continued her performance without reacting, and the game proceeded as scheduled in front of a sellout crowd of 18,424.

The outburst appeared to reference recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has suggested the United States should assert greater control over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, citing national security concerns. The remarks have faced criticism from European leaders, with Trump also threatening higher tariffs on European countries opposing the idea.

On the court, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Orlando Magic 126-109, led by Ja Morant’s 24 points in his return from an ankle injury, while Jock Landale scored 21 off the bench. The match concluded a two-game European series after Orlando won in Berlin earlier in the week, as the NBA continues its push to expand in Europe with future regular-season games planned for Manchester (2027) and Paris and Berlin (2028).

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