NFL fans were left furious over the performance of the Star-Spangled Banner ahead of the international game in Madrid on Sunday.
The Washington Commanders faced the Miami Dolphins at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the home of soccer team Real Madrid, in the Spanish capital as the NFL continued its global expansion.
As is custom ahead of all international games, both the United States and Spanish national anthems were performed ahead of kickoff with American singer Karina Pasian singing the USA’s before the Madrid Marine Infantry Group Band delivered the host nation’s.
However, many NFL fans were left scandalized by Pasian’s performance as they hit out at her for her choice of clothing.
The former Grammy nominee wore a short black dress with a plunging cowl neckline, thigh-high black stockings and garters, and matching gloves that stretched over her elbows.
The outfit drew ire on social media as many likened it to a ‘prostitute’ or a ‘dominatrix’ as they deemed it disrespectful to the national anthem.
NFL fans were furious over the performance of the national anthem before the Madrid game
Many hit out at Karina Pasian for her choice of clothing to perform in the Spanish capital
‘Dressing a woman as a hooker to do the national anthem is a wild move,’ one user wrote, while another added: ‘Is the woman singing the National Anthem in Madrid a stripper? WOW.’
‘Why can’t we have a dignified performance of our National Anthem?’ another furiously asked. ‘I’m embarrassed by this morning’s rendition! Sing the anthem and dress appropriately! It’s NOT about you!!!!’
‘Seriously what is she wearing singing the US national anthem. Disrespectful to women as well as our country,’ a fourth deemed.
‘Who the actual H[ell] sang the national anthem and Wtah (sic) was she wearing,’ one viewer demanded as another asked: ‘Who hired the hooker to sing the US National Anthem in Madrid?’
‘Uh what is this outfit this girl is wearing singing the national anthem,’ another fumed.
‘”Hey Mom.. I’m performing The USA National Anthem at a @NFL football game in the Madrid… What should I wear?”,’ one sarcastically penned, adding an eye-roll emoji.
However, others took no issue with Pasian’s outfit as they hailed her rendition as one of the best that they had heard.
‘Karina Pasian Just performed National anthem for NFL game and sent chills of Patriotism! Best since Whitney Houston’s performance. Bravo,’ one user praised.
The outfit drew ire on social media as many deemed it disrespectful to the national anthem
Another agreed, adding: ‘Best national anthem I’ve heard all year!’
Pasian was born in New York City but is now based in Madrid, granting her the nod to perform the anthem ahead of this Sunday’s game.
She was previously was nominated for a Grammy Award for her song ‘Can’t Find the Words’ in the category of Best Contemporary R&B.
In 2007, she also had the prestigious opportunity to perform at the White House during Black Music Month in front of President George W. Bush.
