Singer Vanessa Hernandez, known as Nezza, chose to perform the Spanish version of the U.S. national anthem at Dodger Stadium as a protest against immigration raids. Despite being advised to sing in English, she sang 'El Pendon Estrellado,' which was commissioned by the U.S. government in 1945. Hernandez expressed her disbelief at being told no, especially given the current immigration climate in L.A., and emphasized her connection to immigrant experiences as her parents are immigrants themselves. Other teams, like Angel City, also showed support for immigrant rights during this event.
After her performance Hernandez posted a video to TikTok, with the caption Watch the Dodgers tell me I can't sing the Spanish Star Spangled Banner that Roosevelt literally commissioned in 1945 so I did it anyway.
I didn't think I would be met with any sort of No,' especially because we're in LA with everything happening... I could not believe, when she walked in and told me No,' but I just felt like I needed to do it, para mi gente [for my people].
My parents are immigrants. They've been citizens my whole life at this point... I just can't imagine them being ripped away from me, even at this age, let alone a little kid.
The Dodgers have yet to comment on the incident but The Athletic reports the club did not punish her for her decision.
Collection
[
|
...
]