Karla Sofía Gascón apologizes for controversial posts, deactivates X account; co-star responds 

Oscar-nominated Emilia Perez actress Karla Sofía Gascón has publicly apologized for a series of old social media posts that have resurfaced, sparking controversy. The posts, which date back to 2016 - 2021, include derogatory comments about Islam and controversial remarks about George Floyd. 

In a statement released Thursday via Netflix, Gascón expressed deep regret, acknowledging the harm caused by her past actions. "As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well, and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain," she said. "I have always fought for a better world, and I believe that light will always triumph over darkness."

By Friday, Gascón had deactivated her X (formerly Twitter) account. 

The controversy stems from posts made in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death in 2020, where Gascón dismissed Floyd’s legacy and described him as a “drug addict” whom “very few people ever cared” for. In addition, older posts surfaced where she criticized the dress, language, and culture of Muslims, even suggesting Islam to be banned.  

Gascón, who transitioned in 2018, made history as the first transgender woman to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, which has earned widespread acclaim. Her character in the film, a powerful cartel kingpin, is a dual role that has garnered attention for its complexity. However, the resurfacing of these old posts has sparked backlash, threatening to overshadow the film's buzz ahead of the Academy Awards next month.

Her Emilia Pérez co-star, Zoe Saldana, has since expressed her disappointment over the revelation of Gascón’s past statements. Speaking at an event in London, Saldana said she was “really sad” about the situation and that she’s still processing the news. "I don’t have any tolerance for negative rhetoric toward any group," Saldana said, emphasizing her commitment to inclusivity and respect.

Saldana went on to share that her experience working with Gascón on Emilia Pérez was one rooted in "collaboration, racial, cultural, and gender equity," but that the recent news had "saddened" her deeply. 

Among the resurfaced tweets, Gascón also made headlines in 2021 for criticizing the diversity of the Oscars ceremony, calling it "more and more like a festival for independent and protest films" and mocking the event's focus on social issues, including Black Lives Matter and gender equity.

As the fallout continues, Netflix will be hoping that Gascón’s apology and the deactivation of her social media accounts can help shift the focus back to the film, which remains a contender in this year’s Oscar race.