Karina Pasian wore a bold vintage Marc Jacobs dress to perform the national anthem at the NFL’s historic Madrid game on Nov. 16. The 34-year-old Grammy nominee faced immediate backlash on social media. She claims the NFL pre-approved her cabaret-inspired outfit. The outfit overshadowed her otherwise stellar vocal performance.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Pasian performed at Madrid’s Estadio Santiago Bernabeu before 78,610 fans
- She wore a black mini dress with thigh-high stockings and garters
- Stylists David and Adrian customized the vintage Marc Jacobs piece
- The Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime
- Pasian apologized to anyone offended but defended her fashion choice
What Happened at Spain’s Historic NFL Event
Karina Pasian stepped onto the field at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu to sing the national anthem. Critics immediately seized on her outfit as inappropriate. The black mini dress, paired with garters and thigh-high stockings, sparked fierce debate across social media platforms.
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Fans called the look “stripper-like” and “classless” within hours of broadcast. However, Pasian was genuinely shocked by the negative reaction. She told TMZ Sports that the NFL had approved every detail days before her performance.
“They approved my outfit a few days before. It was all approved by the NFL. I’m really sorry if anyone felt offended by it, but it wasn’t my intention.”
Pasian, a New York City native now based in Madrid, worked closely with her stylists. She explained that David and Adrian transformed the vintage Marc Jacobs piece into a unique cabaret-inspired creation.
The Outfit Details and Fashion Vision Behind the Look
The dress was more than just bold—it represented Pasian’s artistic vision. Her stylists carefully modified the vintage Marc Jacobs garment to match her creative goals. The black mini silhouette featured a deep cowl neckline and was paired with accessories carefully selected to complete the ensemble.
On Instagram, Pasian shared behind-the-scenes footage showcasing her enthusiasm for the outfit. She wrote: “i worked with my amazing stylists to bring my vision to life!” She expressed genuine love for how the final look turned out. Despite the controversy, she stated she didn’t want to remove the outfit after performing.
Pasian emphasized the collaborative nature of fashion choices made for major events. She noted that every element received proper vetting from NFL officials before the performance. Her defense highlighted the gap between her artistic intent and public reception.
Social Media Backlash and Fan Reactions
The backlash erupted almost immediately after the broadcast. Thousands of social media users expressed outrage over the outfit choice. Terms like “inappropriate,” “embarrassing,” and “disrespectful” flooded timelines within minutes of her performance starting.
Critics questioned whether the look suited a national anthem performance at an NFL event. Some viewers felt the cabaret-inspired aesthetic clashed with traditional patriotic expectations. Others defended Pasian’s right to express herself through fashion while performing her civic duty.
- Fan criticism focused heavily on her outfit rather than her vocal performance
- Pasian sang extraordinarily well despite the immediate controversy
- Comments suggested the styling was inappropriate for the ceremonial moment
- Supporters argued her powerful voice was what truly mattered
What This Means for Future NFL International Events
The Madrid game marked the NFL’s first-ever regular-season event held in Spain. The occasion was historic for American football expansion overseas. Despite Pasian’s outfit overshadowing the moment, the performance itself drew professional acclaim for her vocal talent.
Moving forward, the league may implement clearer guidelines for performer attire at international events. This incident highlights the intersection between artistic freedom and ceremonial tradition. Future anthem singers could face stricter parameters regarding costume choices.
The Dolphins ultimately claimed victory in an overtime thriller, winning 16-13 to provide a sporting storyline to overshadow the fashion debate. The event also featured Daddy Yankee and Bizarrap performing at halftime to 78,610 excited fans at the iconic Bernabeu stadium.
Did the NFL Really Approve Karina Pasian’s Bold Dress Choice?
Pasian’s claim that the NFL pre-approved her outfit raises important questions about institutional oversight. If true, the league faces criticism for permitting such a bold choice. If the approval process failed, it reveals gaps in vetting procedures for major ceremonial moments.
The Grammy nominee stands by her story consistently across multiple interviews and social media posts. She expressed no regret about her fashion choice despite the intense backlash. Her perspective challenges viewers to reconsider whether her outfit was truly inappropriate or simply misunderstood.
What will happen next? Will the NFL clarify its approval process publicly? Will Pasian be invited to perform at future events? These questions linger as the controversy continues to simmer in sports and entertainment circles.
Sources
- New York Post – Interview with Karina Pasian about NFL approval and outfit backlash
- ESPN – Game recap and attendance details for Madrid NFL event
- TMZ Sports – Direct quotes from Karina Pasian regarding outfit controversy
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.