Netflix’s 'Emilia Pérez' Faces Backlash Over Lead Actress’s Past Tweets

Karla Sofia Gascón’s resurfaced social media posts overshadow the critically acclaimed film’s Oscar campaign and spark industry-wide discussions on vetting practices.

Karla Sofia Gascón, the first openly transgender performer nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, has faced backlash for offensive tweets about Islam, George Floyd, and diversity, disrupting her awards campaign.
Netflix has described the controversy as a distraction from the accomplishments of the film, which has garnered 13 Oscar nominations and multiple awards, including at Cannes and the Golden Globes.
The film, directed by Jacques Audiard, follows a Mexican drug lord’s gender transition and features performances by Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez, though none of the lead roles are played by Mexican actors.
Netflix has reportedly scaled back promotional efforts for Gascón, including removing her from marketing materials and not covering her travel expenses for awards events.
The controversy has prompted discussions within the entertainment industry about the feasibility and ethics of vetting social media histories for cast and crew members.