Heckler yells 'leave Greenland alone!' during US national anthem at NBA game in London

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)
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)
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)
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)
Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

LONDON (AP) — A heckler yelled “leave Greenland alone!” while Vanessa Williams sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before tipoff of an NBA game in London between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic on Sunday.

U.S. President Donald Trump has insisted that the U.S. should control Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, and said earlier this week that anything less than the Arctic island being in U.S. hands would be “unacceptable.”

The heckler's outburst drew some scattered laughter and applause. Williams was unfazed and completed the song.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

 

Trending Videos

Salem News Channel Today

Sponsored Links

On Air & Up Next

  • Doctor Health Radio with David Snow
     
    Tune in to Doctor Health Radio with David Snow, your Board-Certified   >>
     
  • Silicon Valley Insider
    1:00PM - 2:01PM
     
    Keith Koo, with Silicon Valley Insider, provides the latest information on   >>
     
  • The Heart of Innovation
     
    The Heart of Innovation is 60 minutes with life and limb saving potential. Emmy   >>
     
  • Bloomberg Businessweek
    3:00PM - 4:00PM
     
    Get the latest news from the world of business and finance and the interesting   >>
     
  • Money Pulse
    4:00PM - 4:30PM
     
    Host Dynasti Young and Craig Roberts talk to innovative startups and enduring businesses here in the Bay Area.
     

See the Full Program Guide