Dodgers Break Silence: Why Nezza’s Spanish Anthem Sparked Controversy but No Ban

What seemed like a quiet stand quickly morphed into a full-blown national spotlight. Just a few days back, Nezza—yeah, the singer and social media maven whose real name is Vanessa Hernández—stepped up at Dodger Stadium and flipped the script by belting the national anthem in Spanish. All this happened even after a team rep gave her a heads-up to stick with the English version. Now that’s a move packed with heart and courage. Nezza opened up on CNN about why she chose to do it, saying she wanted to stand in solidarity with her community and show them she’s right there with them. This wasn’t just a performance—it was a statement on a day charged with protests against ICE raids and policies targeting immigrants in Los Angeles. Despite prior email exchanges where she asked to sing in both languages but was told time was too tight, she went ahead, thinking the Spanish rendition was welcome. The aftermath? Viral TikTok videos, mixed messages from the Dodgers, and a wave of debate about language, identity, and representation in America’s ballparks. It’s a story layered with complexity—one that’s not just about a song but about who gets to claim space and how. LEARN MORE

What started as a subtle act of protest has become national news.

Three days after singer and social media personality Nezza performed a Spanish version of the national anthem at Dodger Stadium — despite being asked by a team employee to sing it in English — the performer further addressed the situation Tuesday in an interview with CNN.

“With everything that’s been happening, I just felt like I needed to stand with my people and show them that I’m with them,” Nezza (whose full name is Vanessa Hernández) said on CNN’s “The Lead.” “I wanted to represent them that day.”