In a significant move, Netflix has decided to exclude actress Karla Sofía Gascón from the promotional campaign of the film Emilia Pérez for the 2025 Academy Awards. This decision comes in the wake of resurfaced controversial tweets from Gascón, leading to widespread criticism and debates within the entertainment industry.
Background of the Controversy
Emilia Pérez, directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, has garnered critical acclaim, securing 13 Oscar nominations, including a nod for Best Actress for Gascón. However, the spotlight shifted from the film’s achievements to Gascón’s past social media activity. Between 2019 and 2021, Gascón posted several tweets that were perceived as offensive, targeting various communities. One such tweet referred to Islam as a “hotbed of infection for humanity,” while another questioned the diversity at the Academy Awards, labeling them as an “Afro-Korean festival.” These posts, among others, resurfaced in January 2025, leading to public outrage.
Gascón’s Response to the Backlash
In response to the criticism, Gascón issued an apology, stating, “I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt. As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain.” Despite this, the backlash intensified, leading her to deactivate her X (formerly Twitter) account. In a subsequent interview with CNN en Español, Gascón became emotional, emphasizing that she was not racist and expressing her feelings of being hated at that moment.
Industry Reactions and Netflix’s Decision
The controversy had ripple effects throughout the industry. Director Jacques Audiard expressed his disapproval of Gascón’s actions, stating, “I haven’t spoken to her, and I don’t want to.” He further commented on her perceived victimization, suggesting that she underestimated the impact of her words. Co-star Zoe Saldaña also addressed the situation, expressing her intolerance for negative rhetoric towards any group.
In light of these developments, Netflix decided to distance itself from Gascón. The streaming giant removed her from all promotional materials related to Emilia Pérez and ceased funding her participation in the awards campaign. A new poster was released, highlighting the film’s accolades and nominations, notably omitting Gascón’s image.
Broader Implications and Discussions
This incident has ignited discussions about accountability, the impact of past actions on present opportunities, and the role of social media in shaping public perception. Critics have pointed out the industry’s selective approach to controversies, highlighting instances where individuals with contentious pasts have continued to receive accolades. Pepa Blanes, director of ‘El cine en la SER’, remarked on the “hypocrisy of an industry” that has previously celebrated figures with controversial histories.
The removal of Karla Sofía Gascón from Netflix’s Oscar campaign for Emilia Pérez underscores the complex interplay between personal actions and professional consequences. As the entertainment industry grapples with issues of accountability and representation, this case serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of one’s words and the evolving standards to which public figures are held.