'Emilia Pérez' Star Karla Sofía Gascón Apologizes for Past Social Media Posts
The Oscar-nominated actor faced backlash after old social media posts resurfaced, sparking controversy.
Karla Sofía Gascón, star of Emilia Pérez and the first openly trans actor to receive an Oscar nomination, issued an apology on Thursday after past social media posts resurfaced, drawing criticism.
The controversy erupted when users shared screenshots of Gascón’s old posts that appeared to comment on Muslims, George Floyd, and diversity at the Oscars. In a statement released through Netflix, Gascón acknowledged the concerns and expressed remorse.
“I want to address the discussion surrounding my past social media posts, which have caused pain,” Gascón said. “As someone from a marginalized community, I understand suffering and deeply regret any harm I have caused. Throughout my life, I have fought for a better world, and I believe that light will always overcome darkness.”
The backlash gained traction after writer Sarah Hagi posted screenshots of the alleged comments on X, noting they had been translated via Google. The original posts, reportedly from 2020 and 2021, have since been deleted. NBC News was unable to independently verify the content before removal.
“This is all from the star of a movie campaigning on its progressive values—you really have to laugh,” Hagi wrote on X. “Comments like this often go unchecked because criticisms of Muslims are not always considered racist.”
Emilia Pérez, a Netflix film directed by Jacques Audiard, has received widespread acclaim. The musical crime drama, about a Mexican cartel boss undergoing gender-affirming surgery, leads this year’s Oscar race with 13 nominations, including best picture, director, and supporting actress. The film previously won four Golden Globe awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
Despite its success, the film has also faced criticism. In a November blog post, GLAAD described it as a “step backward for trans representation.” Some critics argue that the depiction of trans experiences in the movie is problematic.
Gascón, who played a key role in shaping the film’s trans storyline, previously told NBC News that she contributed to making the narrative more authentic.
“I was one of the few Spanish speakers on the team and one of the first to join,” she said. “I was involved in the development of the project and tried to add elements that made it more realistic and aligned with its vision.”
As the awards season continues, the controversy surrounding Gascón and Emilia Pérez is likely to remain a topic of discussion.