Karla Sofía Gascón was having a moment. Like a real Hollywood moment. Starring in the musical Emilia Pérez landing a Best Actress Oscar nomination and making history as the first openly transgender woman to be nominated in that category. Sounds like a dream right? Well things took a turn and not in a good way.
From Oscar Buzz to Backlash: Karla Sofía Gascón's Social Media Past Comes Back to Haunt Her
Instead of red carpet welcomes and cheers Karla Sofía Gascón found herself in the middle of a storm. Old social media posts from years ago resurfaced and they were not pretty. We are talking about deleted tweets from 2020 and 2021 making remarks about Muslim culture the Black Lives Matter movement and even Selena Gomez her Emilia Pérez co-star.
People online dug up posts where Gascón allegedly called the Oscars an "ugly gala" that favored "protest films" and made comments about diversity that many found offensive. There were also claims of racist remarks about the COVID vaccine and other religions. And then there were those alleged posts about Selena Gomez calling her names and bringing up Justin Bieber drama. Gascón denied writing those Selena Gomez posts claiming they were fake but the damage was done.
Damage Control and Apologies: Karla Sofía Gascón Tries to Respond to the Outcry
Once the backlash hit Karla Sofía Gascón tried to do some damage control. She issued apologies on Instagram asking for "sincere forgiveness" and saying her words were "misunderstood". She claimed she wasn't racist and that her message was twisted because she didn't use the "proper words".
She stated that she has "many things to learn" and that she has been unfairly judged and condemned. She even mentioned that someone "most important" in her life and whom she loves is Muslim as proof she is not biased. She also apologized directly to "those I have caused pain" saying she has always fought for a better world and believes in light over darkness.
Later she announced she was closing her X account saying she was facing death threats and harassment and needed to protect her daughter. Despite the apologies many felt they were not enough or missed the mark.
Co-Stars and Director React: Selena Gomez Zoe Saldaña and Jacques Audiard Speak Out
Karla Sofía Gascón's Emilia Pérez co-stars and director have also reacted to the controversy and it sounds like things are tense. Selena Gomez said some of the "magic has disappeared" from the film because of the situation but she remains proud of her work. Zoe Saldaña said she was "still processing everything" and that she doesn't "support" or "tolerate any negative rhetoric towards people of any group." She emphasized that her personal experience on set was about "inclusivity collaboration and equity" but the controversy saddened her.
Oscars CEO Steps In: Academy Addresses Controversy and Calls for "Respect"
With the Oscars just around the corner Academy CEO Bill Kramer addressed the situation. He stated clearly that "The Academy does not condone hate speech". While acknowledging the historic nature of Gascon's nomination he urged for "an air of respect" if she attends the ceremony. He emphasized that the night is about celebrating all nominees not just one person and that hate speech is not acceptable.
Impact on Oscar Chances and Award Season: Has the Controversy Derailed Her Momentum?
Before the social media posts resurfaced Karla Sofía Gascón was considered a strong contender in the Best Actress race. Netflix was reportedly backing her campaign. However after the controversy hit things changed quickly. She skipped major awards shows like the Critics Choice Awards the BAFTAs and the SAG Awards despite being nominated. Reports suggest Netflix pulled back on campaigning for her.
Some Academy members have spoken out anonymously saying Gascon's chances are "toast" and that the hate speech was "abhorrent". Some even admitted to changing their votes for Emilia Pérez in other categories because of the scandal. It remains to be seen how the controversy will ultimately affect her chances and how the Oscars ceremony itself might address the situation if she attends.
Key Events in the Karla Sofía Gascón Controversy: A Timeline
- January 2025: Old social media posts from Karla Sofía Gascón resurface online causing backlash for alleged Islamophobic racist and offensive comments.
- January 2025: Gascón issues initial apologies on Instagram claiming misunderstandings and lack of proper wording.
- January 2025: Gascón denies writing offensive posts about Selena Gomez claiming fabrication.
- January 2025: Gascón closes her X account citing death threats and harassment.
- February 2025: Co-stars Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña express disappointment and sadness regarding Gascon's comments.
- February 2025: Emilia Pérez director Jacques Audiard calls Gascon's words "inexcusable".
- February 2025: Oscars CEO Bill Kramer addresses the controversy condemning hate speech and urging "respect" if Gascón attends.
- February 2025: Gascón makes her first awards show appearance at France's Cesar Awards bypassing press line and not interacting with co-stars.