NFL national anthem singer responds to outfit backlash

Karina Pasian was hired to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” the weekend before the NFL’s first-ever regular season game in Spain, but drew a backlash on social media for her outfit choice.

Pasian came onto the field to sing the national anthem in a black minidress with thigh-high stockings and suspenders. Although the backlash was quite intense, 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 before the NFL 2025 game between 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 that anyone would say anything. I felt great.” what I wanted to wear. “I worked with two of my stylists named David and Adrianne and they are amazing and brought my vision to life,” Pasian said. “It wasn’t my intention to offend anyone. I’m really sorry if anyone was offended by this, 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 Bernabéu Stadium on November 16, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

Pasian said the NFL approved her outfit in advance and she didn’t feel the need to engage in anything negative.

“I’ve read a lot of positive comments and I’m trying to harness more of that energy. That’s what I’m trying to focus on and what I’m trying to spread. People have the right to express their opinions,” she added.

Pasian has been 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 overall US charts upon its debut 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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Since then, she has released a few EPs and singles, with her most recent EP released in 2020 titled “Something Warm to Wear.”

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