The historic first NFL regular season game in Spain quickly turned from a celebration of American football's global expansion to a heated social media debate about national anthem etiquette and respectability politics, all centered around performer Karina Pasian's controversial outfit choice.
The Performance That Divided Social Media
Karina Pasian delivered what many described as a flawless vocal performance of the Star Spangled Banner before the Washington Commanders faced the Miami Dolphins at Madrid's iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. However, within minutes of the NFL posting the video on X, thousands of viewers shifted their attention from her vocal abilities to her fashion choices.
The singer stepped onto the field wearing a black mini dress with a deep cowl neckline, complemented by thigh-high stockings, garters, and long black gloves. This ensemble immediately became the focal point of online discussions, with many questioning whether her clothing was appropriate for the solemnity of the national anthem setting.
Social Media Backlash and Support
Comments criticizing Pasian's outfit piled up rapidly across social media platforms. One user questioned, "Nice, but why did she have to dress like a hooker?" while another commented, "Why is she dressed like a cabaret dancer? Takes away all solemnity from the anthem."
The Daily Mail captured additional harsh reactions, including viewers describing her as a "stripper" and demanding to know "Who hired the hooker to sing the US National Anthem in Madrid?" One particularly critical viewer stated, "Seriously what is she wearing singing the US national anthem. Disrespectful to women as well as our country."
Despite the vocal backlash, Pasian also received strong support from many viewers who felt the conversation missed the point entirely. Supporters emphasized that she delivered one of the strongest national anthem renditions of the NFL season, with one fan writing, "Not many people can sing that song well. She knocked it out of the park. Great job. Love it."
Another supporter noted, "cool seeing her get that spotlight in madrid. anthem sounded clean and the crowd locked in right away."
Cultural Significance and Career Credentials
The controversy gained additional significance because the performance occurred during what the NFL had marketed as a culturally significant moment - the first regular season game in Spain. Instead of celebrating this international debut, fans debated whether the league misjudged the pregame ceremony's tone by approving Pasian's outfit.
Karina Pasian brought substantial credentials to this high-profile performance. She had signed with Def Jam as a teenager, earned a Grammy nomination for her work "Can't Find the Words," and performed at the White House during Black Music Month in 2007. Her selection was particularly strategic - born in New York and now based in Madrid, she perfectly bridges both cultures, aligning with the NFL's global expansion goals.
In the game that followed the controversial anthem performance, the Miami Dolphins eventually beat the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime. As of now, Karina Pasian has not released any public statement addressing the outfit controversy, which has already become one of the most polarizing anthem discussions of the 2025 NFL season.
