Boxing icon Floyd Mayweather was confronted by a mob in London’s Hatton Garden neighborhood over his vocal support for Israel. The incident unfolded while Mayweather was shopping, as a group of 20 to 30 individuals began hurling racial slurs and accusations at him.
A witness told The Sun that the altercation was sparked after Mayweather was asked about his pro-Israel stance and replied that he was “proud to support the Jews.” The witness described the attack as “very targeted,” with members of the crowd accusing the former boxing champion of “genocide.”
“Someone said that Mayweather had been shopping when he was asked why he supported Israel,” the witness explained. “He doubled down and said he was proud to support the Jews.”
Mayweather’s security team swiftly intervened to protect him, ensuring that the situation didn’t escalate further. Addressing the incident on Instagram, Mayweather clarified that he “wasn’t punched or touched in any way.”
“What you’re seeing is just my security doing their job to keep things under control,” Mayweather assured his followers. “I’m perfectly fine, and there’s nothing more to it.”
Mayweather has been a vocal supporter of Israel, particularly since the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 last year. According to the New York Post, Mayweather was one of the first major celebrities to visit the Jewish state after the attack, calling it his “home away from home.”
The former boxer recently launched the Mayweather Israel Initiative, a charity aimed at supporting Israeli orphans. Launched on Sunday, the charity pledges to give every orphan an Israel a free birthday gift.
“Over the next year, every orphan in Israel will be visited by the Floyd Mobile and receive special birthday gifts,” Mayweather stated. “To all the widows and orphans: Keep your heads held high as we honor the cherished memories of those who have passed.”
Mayweather also recently visited the country where he held a barbecue for Israel Defense Forces troops and met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“It was an honor to meet with you today. Your strength and courage are unmatched, and your commitment to protecting the Jewish people and citizens of Israel is truly inspiring. Keep using your voice and never back down,” Mayweather posted following the meeting, also calling the trip “deeply emotional.”
“Visiting injured soldiers, meeting families of fallen heroes, and connecting with the people of Israel has been a humbling experience,” he said.
