Floyd Mayweather Faces Backlash in London for Supporting Israel
American boxer Floyd Mayweather was involved in a tense incident in London on December 10, 2024, following his vocal support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While shopping in a jewelry store, Mayweather was confronted by a group of pro-Palestinian protesters who expressed their anger over his stance. Eyewitnesses reported that the situation escalated quickly, with Mayweather's security team having to intervene to protect him from the crowd.
The confrontation reportedly began when Mayweather, who has been publicly supportive of Israel since the conflict intensified on October 7, was approached by an individual questioning his support. Mayweather responded by stating he was “proud to support the Israelis.” This prompted a hostile reaction from the crowd, leading to Mayweather being chased out of the shopping area. Videos circulating on social media captured the chaos, showing Mayweather being escorted to a waiting vehicle by his security team as onlookers shouted at him.
Despite claims from Mayweather's team that he was not physically assaulted, several witnesses indicated that he did receive some blows during the altercation. Mayweather later took to Instagram to downplay the incident, asserting that he was unharmed and that the commotion was merely a security measure to ensure his safety.
Mayweather's Continued Support for Israel
Floyd Mayweather's support for Israel has been a point of contention, particularly in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The boxer has made several visits to Israel, where he has met with officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and has publicly expressed his admiration for the country. Recently, he announced a charitable initiative aimed at providing gifts to Israeli orphans during the holiday season, further solidifying his stance.
This incident in London is not the first time Mayweather has faced backlash for his views. Earlier this year, his security team was involved in a controversial incident where they confiscated a Palestinian flag from a protester at a press conference in Las Vegas, which sparked further outrage among pro-Palestinian advocates. As tensions continue to rise globally regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Mayweather's public persona and actions remain under scrutiny, with many calling for accountability from celebrities who express political opinions on such sensitive issues.