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Karina Pasian was tapped to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the NFL’s first-ever regular season game in Spain this weekend, but sparked backlash on social media for her outfit choice.
Pasian came out onto the field in a black mini-dress with stockings and garters to sing the national anthem. Although the reaction was quite harsh, Pasian explained in an interview with TMZ Sports that she was surprised by the negative reviews.
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Karina Pasian sings the national anthem before the 2025 NFL game between the Washington Commanders and the Miami Dolphins at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
“I honestly had no expectations for anyone to say anything. I felt good about what I chose to wear. I worked with two of my stylists named David and Adrianne and they are amazing and they brought my vision to life,” Pasian said. “I didn’t intend to offend anyone. I’m really sorry if anyone felt offended, but my intention was to have a good time.”
“My look is super cabaret and super burlesque. That’s the aesthetic I love. I really admire that aesthetic.”
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Karina Pasian sings the United States national anthem during the NFL Madrid 2025 game at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on November 16, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Pasian said the NFL approved his outfit beforehand and didn’t feel the need to fuel anything negative.
“I’ve been reading a lot of positive comments and I’m trying to fuel more of that energy. That’s what I’m trying to focus on and what I’m trying to put out there. People have the right to express their opinion,” she added.
Pasian has been working in the music industry for quite some time. Her R&B album, “First Love”, reached number 11 on the US R&B charts and number 57 on the US overall chart when it debuted in August 2008.
Karina Pasian sings the U.S. national anthem before an NFL football game between the Washington Commanders and the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernández)
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Since then, she has released a few EPs and singles, with her most recent EP being released in 2020 titled “Something Warm to Wear”.
