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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 over the weekend, but received backlash on social media for her outfit choice.
Pasian took to the field in a black mini dress with thigh-high stockings and garters to sing the national anthem. While the backlash was pretty harsh, Pasian explained in an interview with TMZ Sports that she was surprised by the negative criticism.
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Karina Pasian sings the national anthem prior to the 2025 NFL game between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
“I honestly had no expectations of anyone saying anything. I felt amazing in 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,” said Pasian. “It wasn’t my intention 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 that I love. I really admire that aesthetic.”
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Karina Pasian sings the United States National Anthem during the 2025 NFL Madrid game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on November 16, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Pasian said the NFL approved her outfit beforehand and didn’t feel the need to dish anything negative.
“I’ve read a lot of positive comments and I’m trying to bring more of that energy. That’s what I’m trying to focus on and what I’m trying to spread. People have a right to express their opinion,” she added.
Pasian has been in the music business for a while. Her R&B album, “First Love”, reached No. 11 on the US R&B charts and No. 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 Fernandez)
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She has released a few EPs and singles since then, with her latest EP coming out in 2020 called “Something Warm to Wear”.
