Karina Pasian was selected to sing the national anthem before the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Spain on Sunday, a moment that quickly became a focal point of public discourse. Her outfit, a black mini dress paired with thigh-high stockings and garters, sparked widespread backlash on social media, with many expressing discomfort with what they perceived as an unconventional and provocative choice for such a solemn event.
Pasian addressed the criticism in a recent interview with TMZ Sports, where she articulated her artistic intent and defended her attire as a deliberate expression of her aesthetic. She explained that she worked closely with her stylists, David and Adrianne, to achieve what she described as a ‘super cabaret and super burlesque’ look. Pasian emphasized that her goal was not to offend but to embrace her personal style, saying, ‘I felt great in what I chose to wear.’ She also noted that the NFL had approved her outfit in advance, indicating that her appearance was within the organization’s expectations.
Despite the criticism, Pasian highlighted the positive feedback she received, stating her intention to focus on the constructive energy of those who supported her choice. She acknowledged that while people have the right to express their opinions, the backlash she faced was disproportionately harsh. Her comments underscored the broader debate around individual expression versus public expectations, particularly in the context of a high-profile national event.
As part of her career in the R&B music industry, Pasian has released several albums and EPs, including her R&B debut, ‘First Love,’ which reached No. 11 on the U.S. R&B charts in 2008. Her recent EP, ‘Something Warm to Wear,’ released in 2020, reflects her continued evolution as an artist. The incident with her outfit choice has added another layer to her public profile, blending her artistic identity with the scrutiny of mainstream media and audience expectations.