Fact Check: "Singer Nezza defies Dodgers, sings national anthem in Spanish as protest."
What We Know
On June 15, 2025, singer Vanessa Hernández, known as Nezza, performed the national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium, despite being instructed by a Dodgers staff member to sing it in English. This performance occurred amidst ongoing protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles, which have significantly impacted the local Latino community. Nezza's rendition of "El Pendón Estrellado," the official Spanish version of "The Star-Spangled Banner," was a deliberate act of defiance against the team's wishes and a statement of solidarity with those affected by the immigration crackdown (source-1, source-2).
Nezza explained her motivation for the performance, stating, "I just felt like I needed to do it, para mi gente" (for my people), highlighting her connection to the immigrant experience through her parents (source-2). The Dodgers did not issue a statement regarding her performance, nor have they indicated any intention to ban her from future events at the stadium (source-1, source-4).
Analysis
The claim that Nezza defied the Dodgers by singing the national anthem in Spanish as a form of protest is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Reports confirm that she was explicitly told by a Dodgers employee to perform the anthem in English but chose to sing in Spanish regardless. This act was framed as a protest against the ICE raids affecting the Latino community in Los Angeles, which aligns with her personal narrative as the daughter of immigrants (source-1, source-5).
The sources used in this analysis are reliable, with major news organizations such as NBC News, USA Today, and The New York Times reporting on the incident. These outlets have a history of journalistic integrity and provide comprehensive coverage of events, making them trustworthy for this type of information. Additionally, the context surrounding the performance—ongoing protests against immigration policies—adds depth to Nezza's motivations and the significance of her actions (source-2, source-4).
Conclusion
The claim that singer Nezza defied the Dodgers by singing the national anthem in Spanish as a protest is True. Evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that she was instructed to sing in English but chose to perform in Spanish as a statement against the ICE raids affecting her community. Her actions resonate with the ongoing socio-political climate, making her performance a significant act of defiance and solidarity.
Sources
- Nezza says her Spanish rendition of U.S. anthem at Dodger … The New York Times
- Singer Nezza, at Dodger Stadium sings national anthem in Spanish in ... NBC News
- Who Is Nezza? Singer of National Anthem in Spanish at Dodgers … NBNW
- Nezza sings national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium - USA … USA Today
- Nezza sings national anthem in Spanish at Dodgers game - NBC Los Angeles NBC Los Angeles
- Who Is Nezza, the Singer Who Performed the National Anthem in … L'Officiel USA
- Nezza national anthem controversy, explained: Did the Dodgers ban ... Sporting News
- Nezza sings national anthem in Spanish at Dodgers as ... The Guardian
