Some football fans were seeing red over Karian Passian’s “inappropriate” outfit, but the singer says the NFL had given it the greenlight
While many viewers watching the league’s first game in Madrid, between the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders on Sunday morning, were critical of what some called a “stripper dress,” it turns out that the NFL had given her outfit the OK days in advance.
In an interview earlier this week with TMZ, Pasian revealed that she had received the thumbs-up to wear the controversial dress while belting out The Star-Spangled Banner at the Bernabeu.
“They approved my outfit a few days before,” Pasian told the outlet. “It was all approved by the NFL.”
Pasian also said that it was never her intention to offend anyone with the sultry look, which she said was cabaret-inspired, an aesthetic she loves.
The singer added that she was completely caught off guard by the blowback she received.
“I’m really sorry if anyone felt offended by it, but it wasn’t my intention,” Pasian, 34, said. “My intention was to have a good time.
“I loved my outfit!”
What was she wearing?
Pasian, a New York City native who is based out of Madrid, was tapped to perform the U.S. national anthem while the Madrid Marine Infantry Group Band followed with a rendition of the Spanish national anthem.
The Grammy nominee wore a black mini dress with a deep cowl neckline, paired with thigh-high stockings, garters, and long gloves for her performance.
While the Grammy nominee delivered a stunning rendition of the anthem, it quickly was overshadowed on social media by those who took issue with her attire.
“Nice, but why did she have to dress like a hooker?” one user commented on X.
“The outfit was a bit inappropriate but her voice was beautiful,” another replied.
“Great to see the sharing of sport and competition with other countries!! Karina’s rendition of the US national anthem was lovely, but why is she dressed like a hooker?” another user questioned, also commenting that it was “very refreshing to see none of the players kneeling during the anthem (at least on camera).”
All about Karina
Pasian, 34, signed with Def Jam in 2006 at just 15 years old. She earned a Grammy nomination for her 2008 hit Can’t Find the Words in the Best Contemporary R&B and performed at the White House for President George W. Bush during Black Music Month in 2007.
The unintentional attention this week has been a bit of a blessing for Pasian, however, since she recently released a new single, Solo Party.
“It’s about focusing on my journey and not allowing negativity and things to distract me,” she said about her new track.