Rachel Platten was visibly emotional after performing the national anthem before the LA Rams' playoff victory, but NFL fans are convinced they were crocodile tears.
The Rams earned an emotional wild card victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night after a devastating week in Los Angeles, where thousands of homes were destroyed and 24 lives lost amid the ongoing wildfires.
After seven days of turmoil and tragedy, Platten fought back tears at the end of her emotionally charged performance of the Star Spangled Banner.
However, a large number of football fans did not believe it.
Several users took to social media to accuse the singer-songwriter of “fake crying” at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where Monday's game was moved due to wildfires in Los Angeles.
“Rachel Platten pretending to cry after the national anthem was a comedy,” said one on X.
Rachel Platten has been accused of “fake crying” after performing the national anthem in Los Angeles.
Another asked: 'Did that lady start pretending to cry after singing the National Anthem?'
“Rachel Platten should never play the National Anthem and that dramatic scream on camera again… give me a break,” wrote a third.
One user responded to that comment: “I'm glad someone else noticed that 'I need all the attention' moment.”
While another claimed: 'FAKE TEARS FROM RACHEL PLATTEN, SHE'S NOT EVEN THE ONE SHE GREW UP IN NEWTON MASS.'
Despite the false accusations, Los Angeles players were also moved by the moment Platten sang the national anthem.
The ESPN broadcast looked at Rams stars Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford, who appeared drowned in the dugout, while head coach Sean McVay was caught looking glassy-eyed.
As a growing force of firefighters continues to battle brutal conditions on the front lines in Los Angeles, the Rams honored their hometown heroes earlier in the night.
Stafford, McVay and company. They also wore special t-shirts with the legend 'LAFD', in the team colors, as the players took the field to warm up, while a moment of silence was observed before the game to pay tribute to the victims of the tragedy.
Before the teams took the field to join together to sing the national anthem, Platten had performed a rendition of his 2015 hit 'Fight Song', over a montage showing first responders heroically fighting the infernos.
Arriving at State Farm Stadium on Monday night, quarterback Stafford decided to make his own gesture as he donned a navy blue LAFD hoodie for his entrance.
He then inspired his team to a surprising 27-9 victory over the Vikings after completing 19 of his 27 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns.