Floyd Mayweather was evacuated from London's Hatton Garden jewelry district after being confronted by protesters over his support for Israel, according to a report by The Sun.
The undefeated boxing champion was shopping for luxury watches and jewelry when he encountered a group of eight to ten individuals who challenged him about his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to The Sun. Security footage shows Mayweather being quickly escorted into a black SUV and driven away from the scene.
#FloydMayweather's visit to London was derailed by an angry mob of anti-Israel protesters this week. pic.twitter.com/6Nb2MmUBri
— TMZ (@TMZ) December 10, 2024
The former boxer had recently demonstrated his backing for Israel through several high-profile visits following Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, in which more than 1,000 people were killed – mostly civilians – and 250 were taken hostage by Hamas. He also made a $100,000 donation to Israel's United Hatzalah organization.
Last month, Mayweather hosted a barbecue at an Israel Defense Forces military base and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he publicly encouraged to "never back down."
A witness told The Sun that the incident lasted approximately two minutes, with at least one person allegedly attempting to strike Mayweather. However, in an Instagram post, Mayweather clarified that he emerged from the confrontation unharmed and was not physically touched
This is not the first time Mayweather has faced public criticism over his position on the conflict. Earlier this year, during a Las Vegas press conference for his new vape brand launch, an activist confronted him, and his security team confiscated a Palestinian flag, leading to loud chants of "Free Palestine" from attendees.
