NBA heckler yells 'leave Greenland alone' during US national anthem at London game

NBA

NBA heckler yells 'leave Greenland alone' during US national anthem at London game

Vanessa Williams was singing 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

Ryan Gaydos Fox News

Published

January 18, 2026 4:29pm EST

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Sen. Rick Scott praises Denmark as an ‘unbelievable ally’ as Trump pushes for Greenland deal

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., discusses the Trump administration’s efforts to acquire Greenland, the debate in Congress over healthcare and more on ‘The Sunday Briefing.’

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The American national anthem that was being performed before an NBA game between the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies in London was interrupted on Sunday by a person pleading for the U.S. to "leave Greenland alone."

Vanessa Williams sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the game at the O2 Arena. As she was nearing the end of that song, the heckler let out their outburst. The plea led to some applause in the crowd.

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Vanessa Williams since the US national anthem

Vanessa Williams sings before an NBA basketball between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in London. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

President Donald Trump has been insistent about the U.S. controlling Greenland over Denmark since he assumed office for the second time last year.

A semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, Greenland is home to a crucial U.S. military base and has taken on growing strategic importance as melting ice opens new shipping lanes and access to a wealth of natural resources.

On Friday, Trump went a step further. He said he would consider imposing fresh duties imposing fresh duties on countries that defy his plans for the U.S. to acquire Greenland.

People protest against Trump's policy towards Greenland in front of US consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

WHY TRUMP ZEROED IN ON GREENLAND AND WHY IT MATTERS IN 3 MAPS

"I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security," he said.

His recent remarks have drawn concern from Denmark and other NATO allies, prompting troops from several European countries – including France, Germany, Sweden and Norway – to deploy to Greenland for security measures.

Pillsbury: Trump's Greenland tariffs are 'changing the battlefield'

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"The Star-Spangled Banner" has come under fire during its performance before sporting events overseas. The issue occurred before two WWE premium live events in 2025. Canadian fans also booed the U.S. national anthem at the 4 Nations Face Off and before an MLS match.

Fox News’ Amanda Macias contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

NBA heckler yells 'leave Greenland alone' during US national anthem at London game