Vanessa Williams - NBA London - 2026 -
(Credits: Video Still)
Mon 19 January 2026 16:07, UK
An audience member at the NBA London was cheered for shouting “Leave Greenland alone” during the US national anthem on January 18th.
The NBA arrived at the O2 Arena in the English capital over the weekend with the Memphis Grizzlies beating the Orlando Magic by 126 to 109 points.
The capacity crowd, which included famous faces such as Premier League footballers Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, and Virgil Van Dijk, as well as Hollywood stars Naomi Ackie and Rosamund Pike, were also made to sit through a rendition of ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ before the match got underway.
Vanessa Williams, who starred in Ugly Betty and is currently in the West End production of The Devil Wears Prada, was tasked with singing the anthem, which was interrupted by a fan shouting, “Leave Greenland alone”. In response to the heckle, the O2 Arena cheered in support.
President Donald Trump recently threatened to place a 25 per cent tariff on many European countries, including the United Kingdom, that have pushed back against his comments about acquiring Greenland from Denmark. The tariff is set to begin at ten per cent from February 1st, before increasing to 25 per cent on June 1st.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said in response to the proposed tariffs, “Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.”
Since returning to the office in 2025 for his second term, Trump has also repeatedly made comments about Canada becoming the 51st state of America. As a result, Canadian sports fans have let their feelings be known by booing the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ at live events.
On the subject of Greenland, Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård recently condemned Trump for his plans to take over the land, stating, “It’s absurd, isn’t it? It’s a little man who got megalomania, and he’s trying to take the world.”
Skarsgård, who recently won a Golden Globe for his performance in Sentimental Value, added, “He took Venezuela, suddenly, and that’s for Chevron. He’ll take Greenland for minerals. He’s a criminal.”
BREAKING: America was just mocked In London today.
Actor Vanessa Williams was performing the Star-Spangled Banner before the Memphis Grizzlies faced the Orlando Magic at the O2 Arena.
Someone yells, "leave Greenland alone!" and the crowd breaks out and applause. Trump is making… pic.twitter.com/SkfWrZGtFr
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) January 18, 2026
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