After receiving blacklash and criticism for singing "God Bless America" at MLB's All-Star Game, singer Marc Anthony reminded the world that he was born in the U.S.A.
Earlier this week, the New York-born singer performed the patriotic tune only to receive criticism and disapproval from Twitter users. Anthony went on “Live with Kelly and Michael” to address the remarks. ABCNews reports that Anthony said, “To set the record straight I was born and raised in New York. And I’m more Puerto Rican than ever, and more New York than ever."
The offensive tweets were aimed at his heritage and questioned why Anthony was selected to sing the song. One user tweeted, "Shouldnt an AMERICAN be singing God Bless America?" Another said,
Marc Anthony looks all Kinds of nervous singing God bless America, probably shouldn't have hired a Mexican for the job MLB
— Bobby Short (@short_bobby) July 17, 2013
This isn't the first time a Latino has received negative responses for performing national anthems. Last month, EOnline reported that an 11 year-old Mexican-American from San Antonio was taunted on Twitter for singing the national anthem for game 3 of the NBA finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Like Anthony, the young singer defended himself and expressed his pride for being American.
This criticism comes right before Anthony's next album, 3.0, is released. It will hit stores on July 22.