In a bold act of defiance, singer and social media influencer Vanessa Hernandez, known as Nezza, chose to perform the national anthem in Spanish at a Dodgers game, despite explicit instructions to sing it in English.
This decision was made in protest against the immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) raids occurring in Los Angeles. The performance took place before a crowd of over 51,000 attendees, who were taken aback by her rendition of "El Pendn Estrellado," the official Spanish version of the U.S. National Anthem.
According to Breitbart, a TikTok video posted by Nezza captured a Dodgers employee informing her, We are going to do the song in English today, so Im not sure if that wasnt relayed. Despite this directive, Nezza proceeded with her Spanish rendition, captioning the video with, So I did it anyway.
In a subsequent video, she elaborated on her choice, citing the approval of the Spanish anthem version by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1945 as a gesture to improve relations with Latin American communities. Nezza expressed that the ongoing anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles compelled her to act against the Dodgers' request.
Through tears, Nezza explained, I didnt think I would be met with any sort of no, especially because were in LA and with everything happening. And Ive sang the national anthem many times in my life. But today, out of all days, I could not. Im sorry. I just could not believe when she [the Dodgers employee] walked in and told me no. But I just felt like I needed to do it para mi gente [for my people].
Her emotional response highlighted her personal connection to the issue, as she added, Im proud of myself for doing that today. Because my parents are immigrants, and theyve been citizens my whole life at this point.
Despite Nezza's decision to disregard the instructions, the Dodgers organization has chosen not to penalize her. A representative informed the Los Angeles Times that the team would not only refrain from punishing Nezza but would also extend an invitation for her to perform again. This response underscores the team's willingness to accommodate diverse expressions of patriotism, even when they diverge from traditional expectations.
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