Karla Sofía Gascón, the history-making transgender actress nominated for her role in Netflix's Emilia Pérez, is facing intense backlash over resurfaced tweets from years past. The controversy erupted as the film embarked on its campaign for the upcoming Academy Awards, with Gascón becoming the first openly trans actress to receive such recognition.
The issues began when journalist Sarah Hagi highlighted old social media posts from Gascón, dating back to at least 2016, which featured derogatory comments about Islam, made inflammatory remarks about George Floyd, and mocked individuals based on their appearance and identity. Gascón faced scrutiny particularly for calling Islam "an infection" and "a deeply disgusting type of humanity," as well as referring to George Floyd as "a drug addict and a scammer."
Upon the resurfacing of these tweets, Gascón quickly issued apologies, expressing her deep regret, stating, “I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts. I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life, I have fought for a just world, and I believe light will always triumph over darkness.” This statement was made through Netflix representatives earlier this week.
The 52-year-old actress, who gained global fame after her project Emilia Pérez won multiple accolades at Cannes Film Festival, deactivated her account on X (formerly Twitter), citing the campaign of hate aimed at her. “I cannot allow this campaign of hate to affect my family or me anymore, so at their request I have decided to close my account,” she said.
Gascon's tweets included remarks joking about the COVID-19 vaccine and mocking the cultural representation at recent Oscars ceremonies, referring at one point to it as resembling “an Afro-Korean festival” or “a Black Lives Matter demonstration.” Her words have drawn ire from many, with demands for the Academy to reconsider her nomination echoing through social media platforms.
Co-star Zoe Saldaña, who worked alongside Gascón on Emilia Pérez, spoke out during a London event, expressing her sadness over the situation. Saldaña stated, "I’m still processing everything. It makes me really sad because I don’t support negativity toward any group." She emphasized the film's message of inclusivity and collaboration, highlighting its importance for marginalized communities.
The growing backlash has sparked discussions about celebrity accountability and the permanence of online remarks. Critics are questioning the impact of Gascón's statements on her Oscar chances, as her film currently leads with 13 nominations, including Best Picture. Industry insiders worry the controversy might tarnish the film's reputation and drive voters away.
Gascon's past comments on social media have raised ethical questions about representation and bias within the film industry. Despite the film's groundbreaking status, the adverse reactions to Gascón's tweets have overshadowed its accolades. The backlash serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny public figures face as society demands greater accountability for their past actions.
Following the resurfaced tweets, the Muslim Public Affairs Council condemned Gascón's comments as “offensive, shocking, and hurtful.” They echoed the sentiments of many who are calling for greater sensitivity and awareness among public figures, especially as society grapples with issues of race, faith, and identity.
Gascón maintains, through her many statements, her stance against bigotry. “Anyone who knows me knows I am not racist. Recently, I have faced death threats, and it has been exhausting,” she mentioned. She noted the importance of growing from criticism and encouraging dialogue. "I have always fought for justice and equality, and I hope to continue working toward those values," she added.
The debate sparked by Gascón's tweets reflects the shifting dynamics in Hollywood, where social media has become both a platform for expression and accountability. The upcoming Academy Awards may not only be about recognizing artistic excellence but also about how the industry reconciles past behavior with present recognition.
Despite the scandal, Emilia Pérez remains well-positioned for several awards buzz. Gascón's position as the frontrunner for Best Actress is now heavily contested, as industry professionals and fans alike ponder the significance of her remarks and their consequences.
How this controversy will play out during the Oscars ceremony remains uncertain, but it highlights the precarious intersection of art, identity, and societal values. Celebrity actions on social media will continue to be under the microscope as they navigate the treacherous waters of public perception amid rising calls for inclusion, sensitivity, and respect.
With the Academy Awards slated to take place amid the uproar, the outcome of Gascón's career and Emilia Pérez's prestige will undoubtedly influence how the industry engages with the pertinent issues of cultural representation and respect moving forward.