Selena Gomez addressed the ongoing racism controversy surrounding her Emilia Pérez co-star Karla Sofia Gascón, expressing her support for the film and her involvement in the project despite the backlash. Speaking at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Sunday, Gomez was asked about how she was handling the chaos surrounding the film’s Academy Awards campaign, which has been marred by controversy over Gascón’s past social media posts.
When asked by a moderator how she was feeling amid the turmoil, Gomez responded, “I’m really good. Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done, and I’m just, I’m just grateful and live with no regrets.” The star, who has been involved in a variety of high-profile projects recently, added, “And I would do this movie over and over again if I could,” earning applause from the audience.
The Gascón Controversy
The controversy surrounding Gascón, who plays the titular character in Emilia Pérez, began in late January when past offensive social media posts resurfaced. The posts, which contained racially charged comments targeting Black people, immigrants, and Islam, sparked outrage. Gascón, the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for an Oscar, has since apologized multiple times, attempting to defend herself against accusations of racism and xenophobia. In an hour-long interview with CNN en Español, Gascón addressed the controversy, offering further apologies.
Despite Gascón’s public efforts to make amends, the backlash continued, leading some cast members, including Gomez’s co-star Zoe Saldaña, to distance themselves from the comments. Saldaña, during a recent Q&A in London, emphasized her disapproval of Gascón’s remarks, stating, “It makes me really sad because I don’t support [it], and I don’t have any tolerance for any negative rhetoric toward people of any group.”
Jacques Audiard’s Response and Gascón’s Silence
The controversy surrounding Gascón’s comments also led to director Jacques Audiard, who helmed Emilia Pérez, severing ties with the actress. Audiard confirmed his decision last week, following an interview where he distanced himself from Gascón’s behavior. In response, Gascón chose to step back from discussing the film publicly, acknowledging that her silence might allow the film to be appreciated for its artistic merit rather than the controversy surrounding her.
“Following Jacques’ interview that I understand, I decided, for the film, for Jacques, for the cast, for the incredible crew who deserves it, for the beautiful adventure we all had together, to let the work talk for itself,” Gascón wrote in an Instagram post. “I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been hurt along the way.”
Gascón’s statement signified her attempt to focus attention back on the film itself, which tells the story of love, identity, and difference.
Gomez’s Continued Support for the Film
Despite the controversy, Gomez has remained steadfast in her support for Emilia Pérez and her involvement in the project. In her comments at the film festival, Gomez emphasized that while the recent events have undoubtedly impacted the experience, she remains proud of the work. “Some of the magic has disappeared,” she noted, referring to the way the film’s Oscar campaign has been overshadowed by the scandal. Still, she reiterated that she holds no regrets about her participation in the movie.
The film, which centers on Gascón’s portrayal of the titular character, has drawn attention not only for its storytelling but also for Gascón’s groundbreaking role as the first openly transgender actor to receive an Oscar nomination in the acting category. However, Gascón’s past posts have overshadowed the film’s accolades, turning the conversation toward her actions off-screen.
A Larger Conversation on Accountability and Tolerance
The incident has sparked a larger discussion about accountability in the entertainment industry, particularly in regard to past behavior and public figures’ social media history. It has also raised questions about the line between an artist’s personal history and their professional accomplishments. While many have condemned Gascón’s comments, others have pointed out the need for ongoing dialogue about race, discrimination, and the impact of words in the digital age.
For Gomez, the controversy surrounding her co-star has added a complex layer to her experience working on Emilia Pérez. Yet, she has remained focused on the work itself, emphasizing that she is proud of what the film represents, even if it has been marred by controversy.
As Emilia Pérez continues its awards season run, the conversation around Gascón’s past and the broader issue of racism within the entertainment industry remains at the forefront. The film, which had initially garnered attention for its groundbreaking nature and positive reception, now faces the challenge of being overshadowed by the controversy surrounding its lead actress. However, with support from fellow cast members like Gomez, it seems that the film’s artistic merit may still shine through as the story unfolds in the public eye.
The situation continues to evolve, and it remains to be seen how it will impact the film’s potential at the Oscars and beyond. For now, Gomez’s unwavering support of the film serves as a testament to her commitment to the work, regardless of the external challenges that have emerged.
