Karla Sofía Gascón addressed the intense backlash surrounding her Academy Awards campaign in a statement, acknowledging past mistakes and committing to growth. The Emilia Pérez star faced criticism after resurfaced tweets drew accusations of anti-Islam and racist sentiments. The controversy led to tensions with Netflix, with Gascón skipping key pre-Oscars events, including the BAFTAs and SAG Awards. Despite the fallout, she attended the Oscars with Netflix’s backing, where host Conan O’Brien made light of the situation during the ceremony.
In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Gascón expressed remorse, stating, “With no excuse, and without any intention to justify any of my past actions, I apologize to all I have offended at any point in my life and throughout my journey. I humbly ask for their forgiveness and, to honor their kindness and understanding, I promise I will commit to continuing to learn and listen, so as not to make the same mistakes in the future.”
Gascón also addressed criticisms surrounding Emilia Pérez, particularly regarding director Jacques Audiard’s comments about Spanish being a language of “the poor and migrants” and his lack of research into Mexican history before making the film. The film’s reception in Mexico was particularly negative, leading to empty theaters and a parody short titled Johanne Sacreblu, which satirized the production by using a non-French cast and crew.
Following her Best Supporting Actress win, Zoe Saldaña defended the film against criticism, saying, “I’m very, very sorry that you and so many Mexicans felt offended, that was never our intention. We came from a place of love. For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico; we weren’t making a film about a country, we were making a film about four women, and these women could have been Russian, could have been Dominican, could have been Black from Detroit, could have been from Israel, could have been from Gaza.”
In her statement, Gascón reflected on the toll the controversy took on her, writing, “Amid this unexpected, devastating storm, there have been moments when the pain has been so overwhelming that I contemplated the unthinkable.” She also condemned the spread of misinformation, adding, “Several fake accounts were created in my name to add to the pain and confusion. Absurd and even delirious accusations were thrown at me, which deeply hurt my spirit.”
Gascón reaffirmed her appreciation for Mexico, a country where she built much of her career, and emphasized her ongoing commitment to supporting its people. “Mexico holds an indelible place in my heart,” she wrote. “In this magnetic and amazing country, I was allowed to establish my career as an actor, and I have received friendship, affection, and human warmth I will never forget.”
She also called for greater awareness of mental health, urging a focus on compassion rather than condemnation. “Only through understanding, compassion, forgiveness, and empathy can we build a world where difference is not synonymous with condemnation, but with richness,” she stated.
