During ICE protests in Los Angeles, singer Vanessa Hernandez, better known by her stage name Nezza, sang the National Anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium while donning a Dominican Republic shirt, defying orders to sing in English. Her intentional acts have provoked national indignation and led to threats of death, exposing the politicization of our revered national symbols in the current polarizing environment.
Anthem Singer Deliberately Disregards Instructions
Nezza’s performance came after a Dodgers employee instructed her to sing the anthem in English moments before taking the field. The singer deliberately ignored this direction, creating a controversy that has now embroiled America’s pastime in political tensions that many fans believe should remain separate from sports.
Got the chance to speak with Nezza about her performance at the Dodgers game over the weekend and her choice to sing the national anthem in Spanish. Read the piece here: https://t.co/ZNuKmPz2QY pic.twitter.com/y1VWCoIRTJ
— Sara Smart (@CNN_Sara) June 18, 2025
The performance coincided with “No Kings” protests against a military parade in Washington, D.C., on President Trump’s birthday, which also marked the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Nezza later admitted her decision was influenced by ICE presence and protests in Los Angeles, confirming the political motivation behind her actions.
National Outrage and Death Threats Follow
The controversial singer has since reported receiving death threats following her deliberate choice to sing in Spanish. Nezza downplayed these threats, telling media outlets: “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 reveals she’s received death threats after singing national anthem at Dodgers game in Spanish https://t.co/Yf7aN9p6OO pic.twitter.com/XwMFiDYlcn
— New York Post (@nypost) June 19, 2025
Footage of the incident shows Nezza wearing a Dominican Republic shirt during her performance of the American National Anthem. Her boyfriend recorded a video of a team employee instructing her, “We are going to do the song in English today, so I’m not sure if that wasn’t relayed.” This further evidence that she knowingly defied venue protocols.
Conflicting Claims About Stadium Ban
Following the controversy, Nezza claimed she was banned from Dodger Stadium, though team officials have denied imposing such restrictions. The singer has attempted to justify her actions by stating she’s a proud American who advocates for a better country, while simultaneously creating a divisive spectacle during a moment traditionally meant to unite all Americans.
“Abolish ICE” – Brody King
Nezza has received support from several celebrities in the Latin community, which she claims to value more than the negative feedback from patriotic Americans. Her performance has been embraced by those supporting the “Abolish ICE” movement, further confirming the political nature of what many view as an inappropriate setting for such activism.
Despite insisting that dissent is not disloyalty, Nezza’s choice to deliberately disregard instructions while performing our National Anthem has raised serious questions about respect for American traditions. The controversy is another example of how sacred national symbols are increasingly being used as platforms for political statements rather than moments of national unity and respect.
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