Singer responds after national anthem controversy at Dodger Stadium

The singer who performed the national anthem in Spanish last weekend at Dodger Stadium has responded to the controversy, saying that she is “super proud” and has “no regrets” about the statement.

Neza Patricia Masozera, better known by stage name Nezza, was tasked with performing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ at the LA Dodgers - San Francisco Giants game on Saturday. She surprised some in attendance by performing her 90-second rendition in Spanish, a decision that she has since said that she made in the spur of the moment.

“This is my moment to show everyone that I am with them, that we have a voice and with everything that’s happening it’s not OK,” she told the Associated Press. “I’m super proud that I did it. No regrets.”

Her decision came in the backdrop of increasing activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in California. Some fans had criticized the Dodgers for not doing more to show solidarity with the large Hispanic population in the area, a sentiment that was exacerbated by video footage that went viral after the game.

Videos appeared to show members of the Dodgers’ staff discouraging Nezza from performing in Spanish. In one, a Dodgers official appears to say: “We are going to do the song in English today, so I’m not sure if that wasn’t transferred or if that wasn’t relayed.”

Nezza has also said that her manager subsequently received a call from someone associated with the Dodgers chastising her decision. She claimed that the team told her management company that none of their clients would ever be invited to Dodger Stadium again, an allegation that the team has since refuted.

“There were no consequences or hard feelings from the Dodgers regarding her performance,” the Dodgers said in the statement. “She was not asked to leave. We would be happy to have her back.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment.Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.