Nezza finds herself in hot water after singing the U.S. national anthem in Spanish at a Dodgers game, sparking a storm of criticism and threats.

At a Glance

• Nezza sang the U.S. national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium.
• She has received death threats after the performance.
• Nezza claims she was advised to sing the anthem in English.
• Dodgers say no restrictions were enacted on her participation.

A Defiant Performance

Vanessa Hernández, famously known as Nezza, stirred up controversy at Dodger Stadium by performing the U.S. national anthem in Spanish, much to the chagrin of some. Her decision was met with hostility from critics who viewed this as disrespectful, resulting in a barrage of death threats. Despite these threats, Nezza highlights the support she’s received from prominent figures in the Latin community, expressing appreciation over the negativity.

Nezza claims she was explicitly asked to sing in English by a Dodgers official, a request documented and shared on TikTok. She chose to proceed with the Spanish version, “El Pendón Estrellado,” citing the ICE presence and underlying protests in Los Angeles as influencing factors. This act has been deemed a political statement by some, aligning with a larger narrative against government overreach.

Backlash and Support

The decision to perform in Spanish led to mixed reactions. While Nezza has faced backlash and threats, she dismisses the threats as part and parcel of the digital age, acknowledging the inevitable backlash to political stances online. Nezza insists that singing in Spanish is not disloyalty, but a form of dissent.

“That’s just the internet. That’s going to come with something like that. Anything that involves politics is going to include a death threat here and there” – Nezza.

Meanwhile, Nezza insists that the backlash is primarily for political reasons and points out the Spanish lyrics mirror the English version. She firmly identifies as a proud American, advocating for progressive change. As other sports teams, like NWSL’s Angel City F.C., continue to support immigrant communities, Nezza finds solace in such gestures.

Dodgers’ Stance

Contrary to Nezza’s claim of being banned from Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers assert no such position. While she expressed feeling unwelcome at future games, the team has clarified there were no imposed restrictions on her participation. This discrepancy in narratives hints at the depth of the controversy.

Nezza denies any suggestion that the act was premeditated or for attention, confirming the video captured was during a routine sound check by her boyfriend. She reinforced that while she appreciates support more than criticism, her performance aligns with her belief in a better country, reminding critics that a different rendition does not betray national allegiance.