Cubs fan slaps seated spectator during national anthem at Wrigley
Video from Wrigley Field shows a Cubs fan striking a seated spectator during the anthem before Chicago’s 10-1 win over Minnesota.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
A Chicago Cubs fan in team gear was filmed striking another spectator on the back of the head after the man stayed seated during the national anthem at Wrigley Field, according to video shared on Instagram and reported by TMZ.
The clip, posted by the Instagram accounts olemurica and olemuricasports, shows an older man standing behind a younger fan as “The Star-Spangled Banner” plays before Sunday’s Cubs game against the visiting Minnesota Twins.
In the footage, the standing fan appears to tell the seated spectator to get up. The caption on the Instagram post says the man warned him, “Stand up or get Smacked.” When the seated fan does not rise, the man behind him reaches forward and hits him on the back of the head, the video shows.
Other people nearby turn toward the commotion in the stands. TMZ reported that at least one man who saw the exchange appeared to object after the slap.
The seated fan then gets to his feet while the anthem continues, according to the video.
Clip spreads beyond the ballpark
The moment quickly bounced across social media after appearing on Instagram, with TMZ noting that the video triggered the familiar online split over anthem etiquette and personal boundaries.
Some commenters backed the man who demanded the fan stand, according to TMZ’s account of the reaction. Others criticized the slap, arguing that the anthem did not justify putting hands on another person.
A separate image credited in the report to X user @LibOrNormal also circulated with the story, showing the Wrigley Field scene connected to the altercation.
No names were reported for the fan who struck the spectator or the fan who was hit. The available reporting did not say whether stadium security, police or Cubs personnel intervened after the incident.
TMZ said it contacted the Cubs for comment and had not received a response at the time of its report.
Cubs cruise after anthem drama
Once the game began, Chicago had a much easier night than the Twins. The Cubs beat Minnesota 10-1, according to TMZ’s report on the matchup.
The lopsided score became a footnote to the scene in the seats, where a pregame anthem dispute turned into the clip now drawing attention far beyond Wrigleyville.
The video has left viewers arguing over two separate points at once: whether fans should stand during the anthem, and whether another spectator has any right to enforce that expectation physically. The footage shows the slap; the rest of the fallout, including any action by the club, remains unclear based on the available reporting.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.