Vanessa Hernandez, a Latin pop artist known as Netza, revealed that she received death threats after performing a Spanish rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” before the Dodgers vs. Giants game on Saturday.
In an interview with TMZ, she expressed pride in her choice to sing the Spanish version of the national anthem. “Sure, the death threats are serious, but it’s just part of the online landscape,” she said. “I guess it’s something that comes with the territory when politics is involved.”
Netza pointed out that many labeled her performance as “disrespectful,” arguing that it conveyed the same message as the original English version penned by Francis Scott Key back in 1814. “I’m still singing because I’m proud to be American,” she emphasized. “I was born and raised here, and my dreams flourished in Los Angeles. I genuinely care for my country, yet it seems like some people have forgotten that.”
The 90-second rendition, sung entirely in Spanish, has sparked protests in various cities, coinciding with recent ICE actions in Los Angeles. The national anthem’s clip gained significant attention online, especially after Dodgers staff shared it on TikTok, mentioning confusion about whether the performance was broadcast properly.
The Spanish version of the anthem, titled “Erpendon Estrellado,” was created in 1945 at the request of President Franklin D. Roosevelt by Peruvian American composer Clotilde Arias. It remains the only official translation of the national anthem, according to the Smithsonian.
In another interview, Netza expressed her contentment with the performance. She noted that her manager received feedback from a Dodgers staff member after the event, indicating that she was not welcome back at Dodger Stadium. However, the team later clarified that there were no restrictions on her future appearances.
