NBA London: Greenland Protest Disrupts US Anthem

A surreal episode disturbed the playing of the American national anthem at the O2 Arena in London, before kick-off of the NBA basketball match between Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic. While singer Vanessa Williams masterfully intoned The Star-Spangled Banner, a protester interrupted the ceremony by shouting: “Leave Greenland alone!”.
The outburst, clearly inspired by US President Donald Trump’s recent statements, it sparked a mixture of laughter and applause among the audience. Trump has repeatedly insisted on the idea that the United States should control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark – a NATO ally -, defining it at the beginning of the week as “unacceptable” if not in the hands of Washington.
Vanessa Williams did not lose her composure and completed the performance with professional composure, while the match continued without further hitches.