Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather found himself in a tense situation while shopping in London this week, as he and his entourage were reportedly targeted by an angry mob upset over his support for Israel. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment when Mayweather was surrounded by a group of people in Hatton Gardens, with the crowd growing increasingly agitated and following him onto the street.
The videos showed the group shouting expletives as Mayweather's security team worked to usher him into a waiting black SUV to remove him from the escalating situation. Reports indicated that the crowd's anger stemmed from Mayweather's public backing of Israel.
According to sources, Mayweather was confronted about his support for Israel while shopping, and despite standing by his position, the situation escalated when someone attempted to physically confront him. Mayweather reportedly sustained a few hits during the incident, but his security personnel intervened to maintain control.
In response to the reports, Mayweather took to Instagram to clarify the situation, denying rumors of being physically assaulted. He attributed the commotion to jealousy and misinformation, emphasizing that he was unharmed and simply trying to enjoy a brief shopping trip during his visit to the UK.
The altercation occurred shortly after Mayweather announced the launch of the 'Mayweather Israel Initiative,' a program aimed at providing support to orphans in Israel. Through this initiative, Mayweather pledged to visit every orphan in Israel, delivering special birthday gifts and offering encouragement to widows and orphans.
Mayweather's vocal support for Israel has been evident through his multiple visits to the country, including a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in October. In his social media posts, Mayweather commended Netanyahu for his dedication to protecting the Jewish people and expressed his admiration for the resilience and spirit of the Israeli citizens.
Reflecting on his experiences in Israel, Mayweather described the trip as emotionally impactful, highlighting his interactions with injured soldiers, families of fallen heroes, and the general population as humbling and profound.