Before an NBA game in London, the atmosphere inside the O2 Arena was lively as fans gathered to watch the Orlando Magic face the Memphis Grizzlies in a regular-season matchup. As part of the pre-game ceremony, singer Vanessa Williams stepped forward to perform the U.S. national anthem. The arena grew quiet, setting a formal tone — until an unexpected shout from the crowd briefly broke the moment.
A man in the audience called out a remark referencing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s past comments about Greenland. Though the interruption lasted only seconds, it was clearly heard and prompted mixed reactions, including scattered boos followed by louder cheers. Williams remained composed, continued her performance without pause, and was met with applause at the anthem’s conclusion. The brief outburst quickly became a topic of conversation among fans in attendance and viewers online.
The comment alluded to earlier international debate sparked by Trump’s suggestion that the United States should seek control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. While unrelated to basketball, the reference highlighted how global sporting events can sometimes become platforms for spontaneous political expression, especially in front of international audiences.
Once play began, the focus returned to the court. The Memphis Grizzlies went on to defeat the Orlando Magic in an energetic game that thrilled fans eager for NBA action in the UK. The league has confirmed plans to host more international games across Europe in coming years. Despite the brief anthem interruption, the night ultimately celebrated basketball, global fandom, and the NBA’s expanding international presence.
