Dodger Stadium anthem singer Nezza says she sang in Spanish against team’s wishes

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Nezza, the singer and social media influencer, delivered an emotional version of the U.S. national anthem in Spanish before a game Saturday night at Dodger Stadium that she said went against the Dodgers’ instructions.

In a video posted to Nezza’s TikTok account, an unidentified Dodgers employee can be heard saying, “We are going to do the song in English today, so I’m not sure if that wasn’t relayed.” Nezza, whose name is Vanessa Hernández, wrote a caption that read “so I did it anyway.”

The video on her account shows her wearing a Dominican Republic shirt as she sings “El Pendón Estrellado” ahead of the Dodgers’ game against the San Francisco Giants.

In a later video, she said the version she sang was commissioned in 1945 by the U.S. State Department under President Franklin D. Roosevelt and that she wanted to sing it because of the recent raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Los Angeles.

“I didn’t think I would be met with any sort of no, especially because we’re in L.A. and with everything happening,” she said, breaking down in tears. “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 [for my people].”

The Dodgers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Athletic reported Nezza was not punished or kicked out of the ballpark after her performance and is not expected to be banned from Dodger Stadium going forward.

The team has generally been quiet about the recent raids and ensuing protests in the city. Last week, Manager Dave Roberts told reporters he hoped the team could be “a positive distraction” for people. On Friday, he said, “I know that when you’re having to bring people in and deport people, all the unrest, it’s certainly unsettling for everyone, but I haven’t dug enough and can’t speak intelligently on it.”

Saturday night, Dodgers outfielder Kiké Hernández took to Instagram to express his feelings.

“I may not be Born & Raised, but this city adopted me as one of their own. I am saddened and infuriated by what’s happening in our country and our city. Los Angeles and Dodger fans have welcomed me, supported me and shown me nothing but kindness and love. This is my second home. 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. #CityOfImmigrants”

Angel City, the NWSL team based in Los Angeles, echoed that message, distributing “Immigrant City Football Club” T-shirts to fans at its home game Saturday night against the North Carolina Courage. Players and coaches wore the shirts, which said “Los Angeles belongs to Everyone” in English and Spanish on the back. The team also shared an image of forward Sydney Leroux wearing a shirt with the message: “A mother’s love knows no nation. No status. No borders.”

In a statement last week, the team said it was “heartbroken by the fear and uncertainty many in our Los Angeles community are feeling right now. At Angel City, we believe in the power of belonging. We know that our city is stronger because of its diversity and the people and families who shape it, love it and call it home.”

The NWSL and WNBA players unions expressed solidarity Thursday with those “facing fear, hardship, and uncertainty tied to immigration.”

“We stand with all people seeking safety, dignity, and opportunity, no matter where they come from or where they hope to go,” the NWSLPA and WNBPA said in a joint statement. “Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We know not every situation is simple. But offering compassion should never be up for debate.”

After Angel City’s 2-1 loss, Ali Riley, the team’s captain, told reporters, “Football, the game that we all love, we have it here because of immigrants. It’s played the way it is because of immigrants. This club that is such a huge part of me wouldn’t be here without immigrants.”