Chicago police aware of viral Cubs anthem slap video
A Wrigley Field clip shows an older Cubs fan hitting a seated spectator during the national anthem, but police told TMZ no report has been filed.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Chicago police know about the viral Wrigley Field video showing a Cubs fan smack another spectator during the national anthem, but the department has not opened a case based on a formal complaint, TMZ reported.
Police told TMZ they are aware of the footage, which spread online after Sunday’s Cubs-Twins game. According to the outlet, no police report has been filed so far.
The video shows an older man wearing Cubs gear standing behind a younger spectator as “The Star-Spangled Banner” is being performed at Wrigley Field, TMZ reported. The younger fan remains seated while the older fan yells at him to stand, according to the footage described by the outlet.
The confrontation then turns physical. The older fan reaches toward the seated spectator and hits him on the back of the head, TMZ reported.
Nearby fans appear to notice the slap immediately. In the video, at least one person seems to object to what happened, according to TMZ.
After being struck, the younger spectator stands for the rest of the anthem, the outlet reported.
No police report filed
The key detail for now is what has not happened. Chicago Police told TMZ that no report has been made in connection with the incident.
That means the widely shared clip has not, as of the police update reported by TMZ, led to a formal investigation. The department’s position could change if someone files an official report.
The incident has drawn attention because it happened during the national anthem at a Major League Baseball game, a setting where standing customs have often sparked public arguments. TMZ reported only what the video shows and what police said about the status of any complaint.
No names for either spectator were reported by TMZ, and no response from either man was included in the outlet’s account. The Chicago Cubs were not quoted in the report.
For now, the moment remains an online flashpoint rather than a police matter. Chicago police have seen the video, TMZ reported, but without a filed report, there is no official case tied to the slap.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.