Nezza Takes Aim at Dodger Stadium with Spanish U.S. Anthem Performance
Dodger Stadium Defies Tradition: Spanish National Anthem Sung During Protest-Filled Night
In a bold move that has left fans and pundits
Vanessa Hernández, better known as Nezza, took center stage at Dodger Stadium, wearing a Dominican Republic shirt and belting out “El Pendón Estrellado,” the official Spanish version of the national anthem commissioned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. The unexpected decision to sing in Spanish instead of English was a deliberate choice made by Nezza, who explained that she wanted to show solidarity with the growing protests against ICE’s actions.
“I just felt like I needed to do it,” Nezza said in a follow-up video posted on TikTok. “Para mi gente.” Her bold move sparked mixed reactions from fans and team officials, but ultimately left her unscathed. The Dodgers did not publicly comment on the incident, leaving many wondering about the team’s stance on immigration issues.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ lack of public statement on this matter raises questions about the role of sports in promoting unity and inclusivity. While the team has taken steps to show support for protesters, such as Angel City F.C. handing out T-shirts with a message that reads “Immigrant City Football Club,” it remains unclear whether more can be done to address these pressing issues.
Dodger manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the unrest, saying he didn’t know enough about the situation to speak intelligently on it. However, utility man Kiké Hernández took to Instagram to express his frustration and sadness at the treatment of immigrants in the U.S. His words resonated with fans who have adopted him as one of their own, highlighting the complexities of identity and belonging.
As the debate surrounding immigration and national pride continues, Nezza’s bold performance serves as a reminder that even in seemingly mundane moments, we are given the opportunity to challenge our assumptions and take a stand for what is right. Will the Dodgers’ stance on this issue change anytime soon? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Nezza’s defiance has sparked a conversation that cannot be ignored.
The Context Behind the Performance
The protests in Los Angeles have been fueled by ICE’s crackdowns on undocumented immigrants, with demonstrators demanding an end to these actions and greater protections for those affected. The nationwide “No Kings” protests against a military parade in Washington, D.C., coincide with President Donald Trump’s birthday celebration, adding fuel to the fire.
With over 700,000 migrants detained at the southern border and thousands more deported every year, the stakes are high for immigrant communities across the country. As Nezza so eloquently put it, “ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and human rights.”
A Call to Action
So what can we do to support these communities? By listening to their stories, amplifying their voices, and advocating for policy change, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. As Nezza’s performance demonstrated, even the smallest acts of defiance can have a profound impact when it comes to promoting unity and social justice.
As the Los Angeles protests continue, one question remains: will the Dodger Stadium anthem sing-along become a regular occurrence? Only time will tell, but for now, we are left with a sense of hope and determination that change is possible.