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Netflix removes Karla Gascón from Emilia Pérez Oscar campaign after Islamophobic tweet controversy

Netflix removes Karla Gascón from Emilia Pérez Oscar campaign after Islamophobic tweet controversy

The film’s official Oscar campaign webpage excluded any visuals of Gascón, featuring instead Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz.
05 Feb, 2025

Netflix is keeping a strategic distance from Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón following backlash over her past Islamophobic and racist tweets.

The Spanish actor, who recently made history as the first openly transgender performer nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, is now without the support of the streaming giant or her PR team, per Variety.

Less than two weeks ago, Emilia Pérez, and by default, Gascón, were thriving with 13 Oscar nominations, including Best Actress, making up the most Oscar nods for any movie this year and one short of the all-time record.

Gascón was set to attend a string of prestigious industry events in Los Angeles, including the AFI Awards luncheon, Critics Choice Awards, and Producers Guild of America Awards.

However, sources have revealed to the publication that she is no longer expected at any of them. Netflix and her PR agency, The Lede Company, have also cut direct communication with Gascón. Her representation is now solely being handled by her agent at the United Talent Agency. Netflix has reportedly also ceased covering her travel expenses and styling costs.

A new For Your Consideration advertisement released Monday celebrated Emilia Pérez’s 13 Oscar nominations — including Best Picture and Best International Feature — but omitted Gascón’s name and image. Instead, the marketing prominently featured Gascón’s co-stars Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz.

The film’s official Oscar campaign webpage similarly excluded any visuals of Gascón, suggesting Netflix is working to salvage the film’s chances without allowing the controversy surrounding its lead actor to overshadow the achievements of the cast and crew.

The industry response, on the other hand, has been mixed, according to Variety. While some Oscar voters believe the controversy will have no bearing on their decision, others argue that it has left a “bad taste” and could significantly impact Emilia Pérez’s chances.

Gascón has issued multiple apologies, including a CNN en Español interview and an Instagram post decrying “cancel culture.”

As the Oscars draw closer, the question remains: will Gascón attend the ceremony? While she has an open invitation as a nominee, sources suggest Netflix has yet to engage in discussions about facilitating her attendance.

Comments

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Feb 05, 2025 01:16pm
Is it too little, too late? Only time will tell and confirm.
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Asmat Feb 05, 2025 07:46pm
hats off for the Netflix team, this is what direly needed to quell such approach based on cultural and religious biasness
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Laila Feb 05, 2025 11:35pm
When its their past and they have apologized then no point in canceling them. It would be different, if they said, whatever they said, in the present. With time and new exposure, most people change and learn. Not much point in digging and holding their past against them. Even a criminal is entitled to a clean slate after doing their time. This cancel culture is dangerous because it acts as judge, jury without trial. Celebrities are humans too and have a past.
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Ron Feb 06, 2025 02:24am
good decision of Netflix
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