Nezza, a rising singer, made a powerful statement during Saturday’s MLB game between the Dodgers and Giants, choosing to perform the U.S. national anthem entirely in Spanish. The decision went against the Dodgers’ request for an English version, but Nezza stood her ground, saying it was a tribute to both her heritage and recent ICE protestors in Los Angeles.
In a now-viral TikTok video, Nezza revealed that a Dodgers official specifically told her to sing the anthem in English. However, wearing a Dominican Republic jersey and guided by her convictions, she went ahead with her original plan.
“I just felt I needed to do it,” she said tearfully. “Especially considering my parents are immigrants, and everything happening in LA right now.”
Dodgers Player Support for Nezza’s Bold Move
The crowd at Dodger Stadium responded with cheers and applause, showing clear support for Nezza’s rendition. Despite online rumors, The Athletic confirmed that Nezza was not banned from future Dodgers events.
The performance struck a chord with the community amid a surge of protests against ICE raids in the city. Kike Hernández, a Dodgers player from Puerto Rico, also took to Instagram to express support.
“What’s happening in our country and city is heartbreaking,” he said. “People deserve respect and dignity, no matter where they’re from.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on the situation during a postgame interview. While he didn’t get into details, he acknowledged that topics like this create discomfort and conversation.
Nezza’s choice has sparked discussions across social media and within MLB circles. It wasn’t just about singing a song, but a moment on a national stage to represent a community’s voice.
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