Introduction to the Controversy
Singer and social media personality Nezza sang the national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium on Saturday night. And, according to a video the performer later posted to social media, she did so against the wishes of the Dodgers organization.
The Incident Unfolds
In a video Nezza, whose full name is Vanessa Hernández, posted to TikTok, an unidentified Dodgers employee is heard telling her before Saturday’s performance that “we are going to do the song in English today, so I’m not sure if that wasn’t relayed.” Then, the video cuts to Nezza — who was wearing a Dominican Republic shirt — signing a Spanish version of the Star-Spangled Banner on the field ahead of the Dodgers’ win against the San Francisco Giants.
Nezza’s Decision to Proceed
The video’s caption: “So I did it anyway.” In a separate video, Nezza said the version of the song she sang was commissioned in 1945 by the U.S. State Department under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and that she wanted to sing it amid the recent unrest in Los Angeles stemming from raids by ICE agents. “I didn’t think I would be met with any sort of no, especially because we’re in LA and with everything happening,” she said. “But today out of all days, 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.”
Reaction from the Dodgers
The Dodgers did not respond to a request for comment. Nezza reacts after singing the national anthem prior to a game between the Dodgers and Giants in at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. (Jessie Alcheh / Associated Press)
The Broader Context
In general, the Dodgers have largely been quiet about the raids and resulting protests in the city over the last week. Manager Dave Roberts has been asked about the situation twice. On Monday, he said that, “I just hope that we can be a positive distraction for what people are going through in Los Angeles right now.” On Friday, he offered little further comment: “I know that when you’re having to bring people in and deport people, all the unrest, it’s certainly unsettling for everyone,” he said, “But I haven’t dug enough and can’t speak intelligently on it.”
Player Reactions
Veteran Kiké Hernández spoke out on Instagram on Saturday, writing that “I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart. ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and human rights.” The Dodgers, however, have not issued any team-level statement, and a club executive told The Times’ Dylan Hernández on Friday that they did not plan to make any comment.
Conclusion
The decision by Nezza to sing the national anthem in Spanish despite the Dodgers’ wishes highlights the complex and sensitive issues surrounding immigration and community rights. Her actions and the subsequent reactions from the team and its players underscore the challenges faced by sports organizations in addressing social and political issues.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Nezza and why did she sing the national anthem in Spanish?
A: Nezza, whose full name is Vanessa Hernández, is a singer and social media personality. She sang the national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium despite being told not to by a Dodgers employee, citing a version of the song commissioned by the U.S. State Department in 1945 and recent unrest in Los Angeles. - Q: How did the Dodgers organization react to Nezza’s decision?
A: The Dodgers did not respond to a request for comment on the matter. - Q: Have the Dodgers or their players commented on the ICE raids and protests in Los Angeles?
A: Manager Dave Roberts has made brief comments hoping the team can be a positive distraction and acknowledging the unrest, but the team has not issued a formal statement. Veteran player Kiké Hernández spoke out on Instagram against the treatment of the community.
