Social media influencer and singer Vanessa “Nezza” Hernandez is facing backlash after admitting she intentionally misled the Los Angeles Dodgers and sang the Spanish version of the U.S. national anthem—El Pendón Estrellado—ahead of Saturday’s game in protest of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Nezza, whose parents immigrated legally before becoming U.S. citizens, posted an emotional video on TikTok revealing that she had agreed to sing the anthem in English, as requested by Dodgers officials, but instead chose to sing the Spanish version without notice.
“I’m proud of myself for doing that,” she said tearfully. “It was done with love. It was done with good energy.”
Despite receiving clear instructions from the team to perform The Star-Spangled Banner in English, Nezza used the performance to make a political statement in support of illegal immigrants—a move she now openly describes as a calculated act of defiance.
In her video, Nezza also claimed that the Dodgers banned her from ever returning to the stadium, stating, “They told me I’m never allowed in that stadium again.”
Singer Nezza breaks down in tears over deportations after sparking backlash for singing the U.S. National Anthem in SPANISH during Dodgers game.
“I’m proud of myself for doing that today cause my parents are immigrants…I just cannot imagine them being ripped away from me.” pic.twitter.com/e4FSFgeGGE
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) June 16, 2025
However, this claim was contradicted by a team spokesperson, who told the L.A. Times that no such ban was in place and that Nezza is welcome to attend any future games.
While Nezza’s defenders have praised her “bravery,” critics say she used a sacred national tradition as a vehicle for personal activism, breaking an agreement with her hosts in the process. The act has reignited debate over the politicization of public ceremonies and whether sports venues should allow performers to subvert agreed-upon expectations for political gain.
The decision to perform El Pendón Estrellado may resonate with some, but the deliberate dishonesty involved has drawn the sharpest criticism. Detractors argue that misusing the anthem—particularly under false pretenses—undermines not only the team’s trust but also the solemnity of the moment.
