A new report reveals that Netflix is quietly distancing itself from Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly transgender woman to be nominated for an acting Oscar, following a series of controversial social media posts. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gascón’s role in the film Emilia Pérez had initially positioned her as a frontrunner for awards season, but recent controversies have led the streaming giant to halt its support for her involvement in the campaign.
Gascón, who made history with her nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, was set to attend a number of key awards events, including the AFI Awards luncheon, Critics Choice Awards, and the PGA Awards. However, reports indicate that Netflix has opted not to cover her travel, accommodation, or other associated costs for these events. Tensions reportedly escalated between the actress and the studio, leading to the removal of her name from promotional materials, such as email blasts and ad reads. Additionally, some events, including the Santa Barbara Film Festival, were said to be considering canceling their plans to feature Emilia Pérez if Gascón did not withdraw from participation.
From Oscar Glory to Controversy
Emilia Pérez received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and made history with a record 13 Oscar nominations. Gascón’s role as the titular character, Emilia Pérez, cemented her place in LGBTQ+ history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for an acting Oscar. However, her path to the Oscars has been marred by increasing scrutiny over past social media posts.
In late January, Gascón sparked a wave of controversy when she accused Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres—who is also nominated for Best Actress for her performance in I’m Still Here—of orchestrating a social media attack against her as a trans woman and against Emilia Pérez as a film. However, these claims were quickly debunked. Social media responses came predominantly from independent film critics and Brazilian fans of Torres who supported her Oscar campaign—not from any coordinated effort as Gascón had suggested.
The accusations were followed by the resurfacing of several old posts from Gascón’s social media accounts. These posts, dating back to the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s, included controversial opinions about various topics, including Islam, Muslims, George Floyd, and singer Adele. The discovery of these posts led to a wave of public backlash. Some of Gascón’s remarks were viewed as offensive, leading to further scrutiny of her character during the critical awards season.
Gascón Responds and Netflix Takes a Step Back
In response to the uproar over her past social media activity, Gascón issued an apology through a press statement, acknowledging the harm caused by her earlier comments. “I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt,” she told Variety. “As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life, I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.”
In an effort to distance herself from the controversy, Gascón deactivated her social media accounts. “I’m sorry, but I can no longer allow this campaign of hate and misinformation to affect me and my family, so at their request I am closing my account on X,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. She also spoke candidly about the threats and harassment she has received, adding, “I have been threatened with death, insulted, abused and harassed to the point of exhaustion. I have a wonderful daughter to protect, whom I love madly and who supports me in everything.”
Despite the fallout, Gascón’s nomination remains intact, and she has made it clear that she does not intend to withdraw from the Oscar race. Speaking to CNN en Español, Gascón explained, “I cannot renounce a nomination because what I have done is a job, and what is being valued is my acting work. I cannot renounce a nomination, either, because I have not committed any crime nor have I harmed anyone. I am not a racist nor am I anything that all these people have taken upon themselves to try to make others believe that I am.”
A Film in Crisis
The situation has raised significant questions about the intersection of celebrity, social media, and awards campaigning. While Emilia Pérez had originally garnered attention for its historic Oscar nominations, Gascón’s public controversies have thrown a shadow over the film’s path to the Academy Awards. The film, which has received critical praise, now finds itself in a difficult position as it navigates the aftermath of the social media backlash.
The report from The Hollywood Reporter also highlights the internal tensions between Gascón and Netflix as they navigate the fallout. The decision to remove Gascón’s name from promotional materials and halt her participation in key events underscores the complexities of balancing support for a groundbreaking nomination with the realities of public relations in the #MeToo and cancel culture era.
As the Oscar race continues, all eyes will remain on the impact of these controversies on Gascón’s chances and the future of Emilia Pérez. The unfolding situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges celebrities and films face in the age of social media, where past actions can resurface to impact present-day careers.
For Gascón, the battle is far from over. With her nomination still in place, she remains resolute in defending her body of work, despite the public scrutiny surrounding her personal history. The next few weeks will likely determine whether she can overcome the controversy or if her Oscar campaign will be overshadowed by the fallout from her past social media activity.
