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US anthem heckler at NBA Game in London draws huge cheers with 3-word blunt message for Trump: Watch

President Trump warned about the Russian threat to Greenland, urging Denmark to take action after 20 years of NATO advice.

Updated on: Jan 19, 2026, 21:36:53 IST
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The national anthem of the United States was met with boos and heckles during an NBA game held in London on Sunday, where a person shouted: “Leave Greenland alone.”

During the US national anthem before an NBA game in London, a person in the crowd shouted, “Leave Greenland alone!”
During the US national anthem before an NBA game in London, a person in the crowd shouted, “Leave Greenland alone!”

Actress Vanessa Williams delivered a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner prior to the Memphis Grizzlies' matchup against the Orlando Magic at the O2 arena. She is currently starring in The Devil Wears Prada on London's West End.

In a video posted on X, Williams can be heard performing the US national anthem when a person from the audience exclaims “leave Greenland alone,” garnering a loud cheer from others.

A blend of boos and cheers resonated throughout the remainder of Williams' performance.

Also Read: Did Kristi Noem blast CBS anchor for naming ICE agent involved in Minnesota shooting? ‘For heaven’s sake….’

‘Land of the free’

Chris Daw, a lawyer who shared the video, commented: “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 - feelings are running high in Britain about Trump's attempt to appoint himself King of the World.”

Trump's new warning over Greenland

President Donald Trump has delivered a new warning regarding Greenland, stating that “now is the time” to eliminate the “Russian threat.”

The US President stated in a post on Truth Social on Sunday: “NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that ‘you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.’ Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!! President Donald J. Trump.”

Trump has consistently asserted that Greenland, which he expresses a desire for America to acquire due to national security, is facing pressure from both Russia and China.

Speaking to reporters on January 11, the POTUS said, “In the meantime, you have Russian destroyers and submarines, and China destroyers and submarines all over the place. We’re not going to let that happen.”

However, Major General Søren Andersen, the commander of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command in Greenland, has countered this narrative, stating to the Axel Springer Global Reporters Network: “No. We don’t see a threat from China or Russia today. But we look into a potential threat, and that is what we are training for.”

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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